Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month (March)
March is colorectal cancer awareness month. With regular screening, almost all colorectal cancer can be prevented. If you are 45 or older, please talk to your doctor about screening options.
Key Facts about Colorectal Cancer (American Cancer Society, 2023):
- Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in the United States.
- More than 151,000 people were diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2022 (80,690 men; 70,340 women).
- More than 52,500 people died of colorectal cancer in 2022 (28,400 men; 24,180 women).
- Increasing the population rate of screening to 80% or greater would prevent tens of thousands of additional new cases of colorectal cancer and colorectal cancer deaths.
- Overall, colorectal cancer deaths are on the decline, but have been increased in people younger than age 55 since the mid-2000’s.
- African American individuals have the highest colorectal cancer incidence and mortality rates of all racial groups in the US.
- Jewish people of Eastern European descent (Ashkenazi Jews) have one of the highest colorectal cancer risks of any ethnic group in the world.
Images and Videos (with VTAAC’s logo):
- The more people get screened for colorectal cancer, the more colorectal cancers are prevented. | ACS
- Why ask your doctor about screening? Colorectal cancer can be prevented or detected early, when it’s more likely to be treatable. | ACS
- There are several screening options for colorectal cancer, including simple take-home tests. There’s no reason not to get screened. | ACS
- Regular screening for colon cancer can save lives. | ACS
- Regular screening for colon cancer can save lives – MP4 | ACS
Coverage for a Follow-Up Colonoscopy Toolkits
- Summary Guide for Insurance Companies and Clinics
- Summary Guide for Patients and Caregivers
- Summary Guide for Providers and Medical Offices
Fact Sheets
- Colorectal Cancer – Catching it Early Infographic | ACS
- Colorectal Cancer Screening Saves Lives | CDC
- Colorectal Cancer Screening Fact Sheet | CDC
- Colorectal Cancer Screening Tests-At-A-Glance | CDC
Digital Materials
- Colorectal Cancer Quiz | ACS
- “The Bums and the Bees” Video | CDC
- Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month Video | UVM
- Resource Center | National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable
Social Media Toolkits (For Public Education Campaigns):
- Colorectal Awareness Month Social Media Toolkit | GW University Cancer Center
- Colorectal Cancer Social Media Posts and Images | CDC
- Your Colon is 45 Social Media Campaign | ACS and The Colorectal Cancer Alliance
Data from Vermont Department of Data, Cancer Data Pages, Chapter 2: Cancer Screening