National Dress Blue Day
National Dress in Blue Day is an annual observance dedicated to raising awareness about colorectal cancer. On this day, people across the nation wear blue clothing to show support for those affected by colon cancer, honor survivors, remember those who lost their battle, and promote early screening and prevention.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: First Friday in March (March 7, 2025)
- Tagged as: Colorectal Cancer Awareness Day
- What’s the hashtag?: #DressInBlueDay
- When was it founded?: 2009 (concept began in 2006)
- Who founded it?: Anita Mitchell, a stage IV colon cancer survivor
History of National Dress in Blue Day
The concept for National Dress in Blue Day originated with Anita Mitchell, who survived stage IV colorectal cancer but lost both her father and a close friend to the disease. Realizing these tragedies could have been prevented through awareness and early detection, Mitchell took action. In 2006, she organized an awareness event at her children’s school, where students could wear blue instead of their uniforms for a $1 donation to colon cancer awareness.
Mitchell later presented her idea to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance (formerly the Colon Cancer Alliance), which launched it as a nationwide campaign in 2009. The blue star was chosen as a symbol to honor the memory of loved ones lost to colon cancer and to represent hope for a future without the disease.
Timeline
- Ancient times: Colorectal cancer found in Egyptian mummies, making it one of the oldest identified cancers
- 2006: Anita Mitchell organizes the first informal Dress in Blue event at her children’s school
- 2009: The Colorectal Cancer Alliance officially launches National Dress in Blue Day as a nationwide campaign
- 2011: Fashion designer Carmen Marc Valvo partners with the Colon Cancer Alliance to promote the day after his own battle with cancer
Dates by Next Year (2025 to 2030)
| Year | Month and Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | March 7 | Friday |
| 2026 | March 6 | Friday |
| 2027 | March 5 | Friday |
| 2028 | March 3 | Friday |
| 2029 | March 2 | Friday |
| 2030 | March 1 | Friday |
How National Dress in Blue Day is Observed
People observe this day by wearing blue clothing, accessories, or even dyeing their hair blue. Many organizations, businesses, and schools participate by allowing casual blue attire in exchange for donations. Some groups organize fundraising events like runs, walks, or gatherings where participants wear blue to show solidarity.
The day serves as a powerful visual reminder of the importance of colorectal cancer awareness, encouraging conversations about prevention, screening, and support for those affected. Many participants share photos of themselves in blue attire on social media using the hashtag #DressInBlueDay.
Fun Facts About Colorectal Cancer Awareness
Colorectal cancer is the fourth most common cancer in both men and women in the United States, but it’s also one of the most preventable through regular screening. Early detection through screening can find polyps before they become cancerous, potentially preventing the disease altogether.
The blue star symbol used for colorectal cancer awareness represents both remembrance of those lost to the disease and hope for a future without it. Research shows that diagnosis through screening typically occurs 2-3 years earlier than diagnosis through symptoms, which can reduce colorectal cancer deaths by up to 60%.
Quiz
- When is National Dress in Blue Day observed?
- Who founded the concept of Dress in Blue Day?
- What color represents colorectal cancer awareness?
- What is the official hashtag for this awareness day?
(Answers: 1. First Friday in March, 2. Anita Mitchell, 3. Blue, 4. #DressInBlueDay)
FAQs
Why was blue chosen as the color for colorectal cancer awareness?
Blue was selected as a calming color that represents hope and unity in the fight against colorectal cancer. The blue star specifically symbolizes both remembrance and hope for the future.
How can I participate in National Dress in Blue Day?
Simply wear blue clothing or accessories on the first Friday in March. You can also organize fundraisers, share information about colorectal cancer screening, or donate to organizations like the Colorectal Cancer Alliance.
Is colorectal cancer preventable?
Many cases of colorectal cancer are preventable through regular screening, which can detect and remove precancerous polyps. Lifestyle changes like increased physical activity, a healthy diet, and avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol can also reduce risk.
Importance of National Dress in Blue Day
National Dress in Blue Day plays a crucial role in breaking the silence around colorectal cancer. By creating a visual reminder through the simple act of wearing blue, the day sparks important conversations about a disease that many people are uncomfortable discussing.
The awareness generated helps educate the public about risk factors, symptoms, and the critical importance of regular screening. With an estimated 154,270 new cases expected in 2025, raising awareness can literally save lives by encouraging early detection when the disease is most treatable.
Related Awareness Events
- National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month (March)
- World Cancer Day (February 4)
- Men’s Health Week (Week before Father’s Day)
- National Cancer Survivors Day (First Sunday in June)
- Wear Blue Day for Men’s Health (Friday before Father’s Day)
