Insurance Guide for Colorectal Cancer: Honoring National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

This Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, take the time to learn more about colorectal cancer, which includes cancers found in the colon or rectum, and the benefits of early and regular screenings to detect it early and prevent its development. Despite colorectal cancer screenings typically being completely covered by health insurance and being the best way to prevent this cancer, many Americans still aren’t up to date on these relatively simple tests.

Read on to learn more about the history of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, including why advocacy for less stigma against colorectal cancer screenings through education and support can help save lives.

On This Page

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  What Is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month?

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  Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month History

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  What You Can Do To Help Someone With Colorectal Cancer

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  How To Celebrate and Support Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

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  FAQs

What Is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month?

Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month is an annual observance to promote screenings and spread awareness about this deadly form of cancer, as screenings are the best way to prevent this disease.^[1][2] In addition to being recognized by several cancer organizations, the month is an official national observance recognized by U.S. government agencies, including the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.^[3]

When Is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month?

Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month is annually observed in March.^[1] Use the monthlong period to reach out to friends and family members who may be at risk of developing colorectal cancer to talk about the benefits of a covered screening.

Why Is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Important?

Awareness of colorectal cancer is one of the best ways to fight it, as it helps bring attention to the benefits of screenings. Screenings are the number one method of colorectal cancer prevention, as early detection makes the disease fairly treatable. Over the last 15 years, screenings in the U.S. have been a substantial aspect of lowering both the development of and deaths due to colorectal cancer by over 30% for those over the age of 50.^[2][4]

Despite this, only 65% of Americans over 45, the recommended age to get regular screenings, are up to date on getting screened.^[2][4]

Many may avoid screenings due to the belief that colorectal cancer is uncommon, or simply want to avoid thinking about medical problems with an “out-of-sight, out-of-mind” mentality. However, colorectal cancer can’t simply be avoided — it’s the fourth most common form of cancer in the U.S., with roughly 4% of all Americans developing it during their lives. Additionally, it can be lethal if not treated, serving as the second-deadliest cancer in the nation.^[2][4]

Some who may be more aware of colorectal cancer simply avoid screenings due to stigma, thinking they may become embarrassed or that a screening may feel too invasive. However, there are multiple types of screenings available. Various stool tests can be performed annually or every few years, depending on the test, allowing doctors to check for issues in a noninvasive way.^[5]

More invasive screenings, such as a colonoscopy, are only performed once a decade or to follow up on unusual results from a prior screening. However, these screenings are relatively quick, taking roughly 30 to 45 minutes, and are only performed once a decade. Additionally, both cancerous and benign polyps can be removed during this procedure, helping prevent further cancer development if caught early.^[5][6]

Additionally, as preventive screenings, these tests are generally covered in full by health insurance, with no copayment or deductible.^[7]

Given the significant benefits of regular screening, advocating for better education and screening promotion is a core aspect of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and is why it’s worth observing.

Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month History

Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month was first observed in 1999 as a joint effort between various cancer organizations, including the Colorectal Cancer Alliance and the American Cancer Society. The goal of creating this observance was to increase national awareness of colorectal cancer and to highlight that early screening is a relatively simple and efficient way to improve prevention and save lives.^[1]

In 2000, President Bill Clinton designated March as the official national month of observance for Colorectal Cancer Awareness to expand awareness of this disease, its prevention and treatment options.^[1]

What You Can Do To Help Someone With Colorectal Cancer

Going through cancer can be a life-changing and debilitating process, and offering emotional, medical and more practical support can be beneficial to a friend or family member currently experiencing or recovering from colorectal cancer.

You can help someone with colorectal cancer by listening to them about their problems, health or otherwise, and checking in on their emotional state. You can also assist them in scheduling regular appointments, providing transportation and offering education about their treatment process, including resources and advice from medical professionals. Practical help, such as general transportation, pet or childcare assistance and meal preparation, can also be beneficial.

When offering support to someone with colorectal cancer, they may avoid asking for help or may not know what to ask for. Try suggesting you can assist with specific tasks, such as offering to drive to a doctor’s appointment they mention, to make it easier and avoid making your friend or family member feel like a burden.

How To Celebrate and Support Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

You can help celebrate and support Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month by providing educational resources to friends and family about the benefits of regular screenings, including how they can prevent the worsening of colorectal cancer. Note how common this disease is, especially among those over 45. Try to normalize screenings, even colonoscopies, by noting that they are safe, effective and quick. Additionally, highlighting their typical total coverage under health insurance can help address potential assumptions or objections.

If you’re interested in a more direct way to offer awareness, the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, one of the original founding organizations behind Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, promotes a “Dress in Blue Day” held on Friday, March 6, 2026. The organization associates blue with colorectal cancer awareness, using the event to give allies and those struggling with colorectal cancer an opportunity to wear the color, in whatever amount you have in your wardrobe, and share photos and anecdotes online to help raise awareness of the benefits of screenings.^[8]