National Blue Day
National Dress in Blue Day is an annual observance dedicated to raising awareness about colon cancer. It encourages people to wear blue clothing to show support for those affected by the disease and promote early detection and prevention.
Quick Facts
When is it?: First Friday in March
Tagged as: Health Awareness Day
What’s the hashtag?: #NationalDressinBlueDay
When was it founded?: 2009
Who founded it?: Anita Mitchell and the Colon Cancer Alliance
History
The initiative began with Anita Mitchell, a stage IV colon cancer survivor who lost both her father and a close friend to the disease. In 2006, she started a small awareness campaign at her children’s school, where students could wear blue instead of their uniforms for a $1 donation. The concept grew, and in 2009, the Colon Cancer Alliance launched it as a nationwide campaign. Fashion designer Carmen Marc Valvo joined the cause in 2011 after his personal battle with cancer.
Timeline
- 2006: First school-based blue dress initiative by Anita Mitchell
- 2009: Official launch as National Dress in Blue Day
- 2011: Partnership with fashion designer Carmen Marc Valvo
Upcoming Dates
| Year | Month | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | March | 1 | Friday |
| 2025 | March | 7 | Friday |
| 2026 | March | 6 | Friday |
| 2027 | March | 5 | Friday |
| 2028 | March | 3 | Friday |
How It’s Observed
- Wear blue clothing to show support
- Share awareness on social media
- Make donations to colon cancer research
- Organize workplace blue dress events
- Participate in awareness campaigns
Fun Facts
- The blue star is the official symbol representing hope for a cancer-free future
- Colon cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide
- Early screening can reduce colon cancer deaths by 60%
- The campaign aims to expand awareness throughout March
Quiz
- What color represents colon cancer awareness?
- On which day of the week is this day observed?
- Who initiated the first school-based campaign?
-(Answers: 1. Blue, 2. Friday, 3. Anita Mitchell)
FAQs
- Why blue? Blue represents hope and awareness for colon cancer
- Is it only one day? While celebrated on one day, awareness efforts continue throughout March
- How can I participate? Wear blue, spread awareness, and consider donating
Related
- World Cancer Day
- National Cancer Prevention Month
- Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
- National Cancer Survivors Day
