3/7: Dress in Blue Day for Colorectal Cancer Awareness
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month!
Friday, March 7, is Dress in Blue Day, and there will be a special booth in the lobby of Gambet from 8AM-noon honoring this important event.
Dress in Blue Day originated in 2006 when Anita Mitchell organized a day at her children’s school to raise awareness of colorectal cancer. Mitchell is a survivor of stage IV colorectal cancer. In 2009, she brought the idea to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, which promoted the day nationwide. She is still alive today by the grace of God and continues to work to raise awareness and save lives!
I, Michelle Benner, senior clinical liaison for graduate nursing, am a six-year survivor of late-stage CRC and am passionate about raising awareness and saving lives. I am so grateful to The DeSales School of Nursing, Student Nurse Association, and the physician assistant program who have collaborated with me and will be staffing a booth with resources and swag to raise awareness regarding young-onset colorectal cancer.
The rate of young-onset CRC in the younger population is on the rise. By 2030, it is estimated to be the leading cause of death in people ages 20-49. It is already the leading cause of death in men under 50 years of age. In 2025, an estimated 154,270 people will be diagnosed with this highly preventable disease. They will join more than 1.5 million colorectal cancer patients and survivors living today.
We go blue for them, their families, and their community. By wearing blue, you bring awareness to this disease, support the work of those fighting to end it and honor all who are impacted by colorectal cancer: patients, survivors, and those who have lost their battle. Everyone should be aware of its symptoms and that includes you.
Please commit to wearing Blue on Friday, March 7, and be sure to stop by the table in Gambet. Don’t forget to snap a photo of yourself supporting the cause and tag it on socials using #dressinblueday. Thank you!
Questions? michelle.benner@desales.edu