National Dress in Blue Day
National Dress in Blue Day is celebrated every year on the first Friday of March. In 2024, it will be celebrated on the 1st of March. This day is dedicated to an important cause- Colon cancer.
According to the World Health Organization, colon cancer ranks as the third most common cancer worldwide and has led to a significant number of deaths.Thus, it is very important to educate yourself and others about colon cancer, its causes, symptoms and most importantly prevention.
Anita Mitchell- The Patient Who Started National Dress in Blue Day
National Dress in Blue Day was initiated by Anita Mitchell, a courageous individual who battled colon cancer. Inspired by her journey and the losses of her father and a dear friend to this disease, Anita transformed her experience into a powerful advocacy initiative.
Anita wished to educate more people about this disease and how to prevent it. In 2006, she used her children's school as a medium to spread awareness. She encouraged everyone to wear a blue outfit and donate just a dollar to Colon cancer research. It was a successful event.
Anita went a step further and presented her idea to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, an esteemed non-profit organization dedicated to the cause. The organization instantly approved her idea and transformed it into a National campaign in 2009.
Symptoms of Colon Cancer
While symptoms usually do not occur during the early stage, it is essential to get yourself checked periodically especially if you have a family history with the disease.
Some of the most common symptoms experienced in the later stages of Colon Cancer include:
- Pain in the abdomen
- Weight loss
- blood in the stool
- Periodic vomiting
- Thinner Stools
- Anemia
- Constipation, Diarrhea or other changes in your bowel movements
Important Facts About Colon Cancer That You Should Know
- Colon cancer is much more common in older people above the age of forty.
- Studies have shown that people with higher quantities of fat in their diet are more prone to contracting colon cancer.
- Statistics show that 1 in 23 men have a chance of developing colon cancer while it is 1 in 25 for women.
- Iconic actress Audrey Hepburn fell prey to colon cancer which ultimately led to her demise in 1993.
- The fatality rate of colon cancer is significantly dependent on the stage of the disease. Early diagnosis yields a curability rate of over 90 percent, whereas diagnosis in later stages reduces it to 60 percent.
- Habits like smoking, improper diet, and no exercise can lead to an increased risk of colon cancer.
You might like to read this article next: World Cancer Day
