Colon Cancer Awareness Month: No More Excuses, Just Action

Let’s stop pretending colon cancer is just an "old person’s disease." That myth? It’s killing people.

Colon Cancer Awareness Month hits every March, and while the dark blue ribbons come out, the urgency often doesn’t. It’s one of the most preventable cancers—and still, it’s the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S.

We’re talking about something that could be caught with a screening. But people still die because of silence, stigma, and sheer avoidance.

The Ugly Truth: Colon Cancer by the Numbers

• Second leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S.
  

• Diagnoses in people under 50 are rising fast
  

• Survival rate over 90% when caught early
  

• Millions still skip screenings out of fear, discomfort, or misinformation
  

You can’t treat what you don’t talk about. So let’s start talking.

Know the Symptoms Before It’s Too Late

Colon cancer is a silent creeper. By the time symptoms show up, it’s often advanced. But here’s what to watch for:

• Blood in your stool (red or black)
  

• Unexplained changes in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation)
  

• Persistent abdominal discomfort or cramping
  

• Unexplained weight loss
  

• Constant fatigue
  

Listen to your body. Embarrassment isn’t fatal—but ignoring symptoms can be.

Who’s at Risk? (It’s Not Just Boomers)

• Adults 45 and older
  

• Family history of colorectal cancer or polyps
  

• People with inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis
  

• Black Americans, who face higher rates and worse outcomes
  

Start screening at age 45. Earlier if you’re high-risk. No excuses.

The Power of the Dark Blue Ribbon

This isn’t about fashion. The dark blue ribbon is about:

• Strength
  

• Survivorship
  

• Prevention
  

When you wear it, you’re not just supporting someone else’s journey—you’re encouraging others to take charge of their own health.

The Orgs Actually Doing Something

These aren’t ribbon-pushers. They’re boots-on-the-ground cancer fighters:

• Colorectal Cancer Alliance: Prevention, advocacy, and support
  

• Fight CRC: Funding research and pushing for policy change
  

• The Blue Hat Foundation: Screening access and education for underserved Black communities
  

Support them. Share them. Fund them.

How You Can Make a Difference

• Schedule your screening if you’re 45+
  

• Talk about it with your family, even if it’s awkward
  

• Push for equitable screening access in your community
  

• Wear a dark blue ribbon pin to normalize the conversation
  

Silence helps cancer win. Visibility helps save lives.

Why Our Pins Matter

Our Colon Cancer Awareness Pins aren’t subtle for a reason. They say:

"I care. I’m informed. I’m not afraid to talk about it."

Navy Blue Ribbon Enamel Pins

Clean, sharp, bold. Just like the people fighting this disease.

Navy Blue Awareness Wristbands

Perfect for everyday wear and awareness that lasts beyond March.

Awareness Isn’t Optional

You don’t get to skip this one because it makes you uncomfortable. Colon cancer kills people who waited too long. People who didn’t think it applied to them. People who didn’t know the signs.

So this March, do something. Get screened. Share the info. Wear the ribbon.

Awareness saves lives. Silence doesn’t.