Landmarks across the country go Blue for Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

Over 160 Public and Private Spaces to be Lit #BlueForCRC

In honor of the nation’s colorectal cancer (CRC) community, including over one million colorectal cancer survivors, dozens of civic, public, and private buildings and landmarks across the United States are slated to go BLUE in Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. We are so grateful to partner with Fight Colorectal Cancer, the American Cancer Society, and countless volunteers to make this happen!

Landmarks in at least 19 states are scheduled to shine blue from dusk to dawn starting Fri., March 5, with the bulk of the country blue on Tues., March 9, and then throughout the month of March. And more are being added every day!

Add a Landmark!

Businesses and health care facilities are also encouraging employees and patients to wear blue, share information, and support screening for the nation’s no. 2 cancer killer. Highlights include the 35W Bridge in Minneapolis, the Leonard P. Zakim Bunker Hill Memorial Bridge in Boston, George Bush Intercontinental and William P. Hobby Airports in Houston, Downtown Orlando Public Art Displays, and dozens of others. See a complete list here!

“As a colorectal cancer survivor and passionate advocate, I hope that by helping to turn my city blue it will shine a light on the importance of screening. We need that now more than ever,” says Allison Rosen, Houston-resident, colorectal cancer survivor, and volunteer coordinating over 30 landmarks in Houston and the surrounding area. “I do not want to lose another friend to this cancer that is preventable and very treatable if caught early.”

The goal of the #BlueforCRC campaign is to educate Americans about the importance of colorectal cancer screening and to show support for patients, survivors, and caregivers. Health care – cancer screenings in particular – has been delayed or cancelled during COVID-19. Care and cancer screenings, however, are available and encouraged.

“Too much has been delayed in the past year because of COVID-19,” notes Chris Evans, president of the Colon Cancer Coalition. “Colorectal cancer screenings shouldn’t be one of them. By working with our partners at Fight Colorectal Cancer and the American Cancer Society to literally light the country blue, we can highlight the importance of this lifesaving health screening.”

Delays in colorectal cancer screening can result in later diagnosis making outcomes worse for patients. Colorectal cancer is very treatable and beatable when caught in the earliest stages. Health care providers are doing everything possible to keep patients safe during office visits and colonoscopy procedures. Now is the time to make and keep a colorectal cancer screening appointment. For those still nervous about in-office visits there are also several at-home screening options available.

“Screening tests increase the chance of catching some cancers when they may be easier to treat,” added Matt Flory, Minnesota Strategic Partnerships Manager at the American Cancer Society. “Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month gives us a great opportunity to talk about the lifesaving screening options available for this common cancer.”

“Sixty percent of deaths from colorectal cancer could be prevented, yet one in three Americans aren’t up-to-date with screening. There was a drastic drop in screenings due to COVID-19 and raising awareness is the key to increasing screening rates and saving lives,” said Anjee Davis, MPPA, president of Fight Colorectal Cancer. “Working with the Colon Cancer Coalition on the Blue for CRC campaign to educate, raise awareness, and honor those in the fight against colorectal cancer has been wonderful. We are so much stronger when we work together.”

There is still time to get involved. Submit a landmark, business, or other facility going blue at any time in March. The general public is invited to participate by simply wearing a favorite shade of blue or lighting their home or businesses with a blue lightbulb. Photos can be shared on Twitter or Instagram using #BlueForCRC.