When is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month?
Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month 2027
Mon, Mar 1, 2027 – Wed, Mar 31, 2027
The whole of March. That's in 135 days.
until Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month begins, in your time zone
Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month is a March campaign about cancers of the colon and rectum, the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States, and about screening, which can find the disease early or prevent it by removing polyps.
About Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
Colorectal cancer often causes no clear symptoms in its early stages, which is why the month puts screening first. Tests such as stool-based tests and colonoscopy can catch cancer early, and a colonoscopy can remove precancerous growths called polyps before they ever turn into cancer. A 2024 presidential proclamation estimated about 150,000 new US diagnoses that year and pointed to rising numbers of cases in people under 50, along with higher burdens among Black Americans, Native Americans and people with a family history of the disease.
The federal observance began with President Bill Clinton, who proclaimed March 2000 as the first National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. His proclamation called the disease a silent one because it so often goes undetected until late, and urged regular screening as part of routine care. Presidents have issued March proclamations in many years since, including every year from 2021 to 2024.
Patient groups lead much of the activity. The Colorectal Cancer Alliance, for example, runs March events, fundraisers and a Dress in Blue Day, held on Friday, March 6, in 2026, when supporters wear blue to honor people affected by the disease. Screening guidance has also shifted: the US Preventive Services Task Force now recommends screening for all adults 45 to 75, after earlier advice that started at 50, and suggests people 76 to 85 decide with their clinician.
Sources: Federal Register: Proclamation 7276, National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, 2000, Federal Register: Proclamation 10705, National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, 2024, US Preventive Services Task Force: Colorectal Cancer Screening, Colorectal Cancer Alliance: National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. How we check dates.
How to mark Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
- If you're 45 or older, ask your doctor which colorectal screening test suits you and when you're due.
- Find out whether close relatives have had colorectal cancer or polyps, and share that history with your doctor, since it can change when you should start.
- Don't ignore warning signs like blood in the stool, a lasting change in bowel habits or unexplained weight loss; see a doctor promptly.
- Wear blue on Dress in Blue Day and use it to start a conversation about screening.
- Offer a ride or company to a friend or relative who's putting off a colonoscopy.
Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month dates
| Year | Dates |
|---|---|
| 2025 | Sat, Mar 1 – Mon, Mar 31 |
| 2026 | Sun, Mar 1 – Tue, Mar 31 |
| 2027 | Mon, Mar 1 – Wed, Mar 31 |
| 2028 | Wed, Mar 1 – Fri, Mar 31 |
| 2029 | Thu, Mar 1 – Sat, Mar 31 |
| 2030 | Fri, Mar 1 – Sun, Mar 31 |
| 2031 | Sat, Mar 1 – Mon, Mar 31 |
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Frequently asked questions
When is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month 2027?
Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month 2027 is Mon, Mar 1, 2027 – Wed, Mar 31, 2027. It falls on the whole of March. In 2028, it is on Wednesday, March 1, 2028.
At what age should colorectal screening start?
The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening for adults from age 45 to 75. People with a family history or other risk factors should ask a doctor whether to start earlier.
What color is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month?
Blue. The Colorectal Cancer Alliance holds a Dress in Blue Day each March to raise awareness.
Is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month a public holiday?
No. Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month is an observance, not a public holiday, so schools, banks, government offices and most businesses keep their normal hours.