National Dress in Blue Day

National Dress in Blue Day is observed on the first Friday of March. In 2026, it falls on March 6. This day serves as a national awareness campaign focused on the prevention and early detection of colorectal cancer. By wearing blue, participants show support for patients and survivors while encouraging the public to learn about the importance of regular health screenings.

Read also about World Cancer Day

History of National Dress in Blue Day

The concept for this day originated with Anita Mitchell, a survivor of stage IV colon cancer who wanted to bring attention to a disease that is often treatable if caught early. In 2006, she organized the first “Wear Blue for Colon Cancer Awareness Day” at her children’s school to honor the memory of her father and a close friend who both lost their lives to the illness. The event was highly successful, using the color blue to create a unified visual statement and requesting small donations for research.

Following the success of these local efforts, Mitchell proposed the idea to the Colon Cancer Alliance (now the Colorectal Cancer Alliance). The organization launched the campaign nationally in 2009, standardizing the first Friday of March as the official date. The movement also introduced the blue star as a universal symbol, representing the power and unity of the community in its fight to end colorectal cancer and provide hope for a future with fewer diagnoses. ¹

Why is National Dress in Blue Day important?

This day is critical because colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States when figures for men and women are combined. Despite being one of the most preventable forms of cancer, it often lacks the public visibility of other diseases. The observance breaks the silence surrounding the condition, turning a simple wardrobe choice into a conversation starter about risk factors and life-saving medical procedures.

The day also highlights the shifting demographics of the disease, as incidence rates have been rising among adults under the age of 50. By promoting awareness, the holiday helps educate people on when to start screenings and how to recognize early symptoms like persistent changes in bowel habits. It provides a platform for survivors to share their stories and offers a moment of collective remembrance for those who have been lost, reinforcing the urgency of research and better access to care.

• It raises awareness for the third most common cancer diagnosed in the world.
• The day honors the courage of over 1.5 million survivors living in the United States.
• It promotes the fact that early detection leads to a survival rate of over 90%.
• The holiday encourages people to talk to their doctors about personal risk factors.
• It helps fund programs for patient support, education, and clinical research.

How to Observe National Dress in Blue Day

The primary way to observe the day is to wear blue clothing or accessories, such as a blue tie, scarf, or shirt. Many people take photos of their blue outfits and share them on social media with a specific hashtag to join the global movement. This visible support helps normalize discussions about colon health and serves as a reminder to others to check if they are due for a screening.

In professional and educational settings, organizations often host “Blue Out” events where teams dress in unison to show solidarity. Some groups use the day to raise funds for cancer research by collecting small donations from participants. Beyond wearing the color, many individuals use the day to research their own family medical history or to schedule a colonoscopy if they meet the recommended age requirements. Sharing educational infographics about healthy lifestyle choices, such as a high-fiber diet and regular exercise, is another way to help.

• Check your wardrobe and wear your favorite blue outfit to work or school.
• Share a photo on social media to remind friends about the importance of screenings.
• Host a small fundraising event to support colorectal cancer research.
• Talk to family members about your history of polyps or related illnesses.
• Learn about the different types of screening tests available today.

National Dress in Blue Day Dates Table

1. https://colorectalcancer.org/get-involved/advocate/colorectal-cancer-awareness-month/dress-blue-day[↩]