March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, held in March each year, offers healthcare providers who care for patients with diseases of the colon and rectum a valuable opportunity to educate their community about these diseases and promote awareness of the importance of colorectal cancer screening, prevention, and treatment. These efforts may also provide a window into the profession and encourage others to consider careers in the field of colon and rectal surgery.

Digital and Social Media Toolkit

• Social Media Graphics and Posts
• Hashtag Suggestions: #ColorectalCancerAwareness #GetScreened 
• Fundraising Opportunity - Give to the ASCRS 125th Anniversary Campaign!

Patient Outreach

Use the month of March to educate patients on your role and training as a colon and rectal surgeon and to help them find more information about their diseases.

• Colorectal Cancer Factsheet
• Screening Guidelines
• The Patient Resource Library hosts short videos and patient-focused content on diseases treated by colorectal surgeons.
• Our patient letter can be modified for your own patients.
• The Top 10 Reasons NOT to Get a Colonoscopy to use in your office.
• Does your hospital offer space in their patient newsletter? Request the opportunity to write an article and use this template to get started.
• ASCRS has a YouTube page! See our collection of videos.
• Colorectal Cancer Alliance resources
• FightCRC Advocacy
• American Cancer Society tools and resources

Healthcare Professional Resources

• Clinical Practice Guidelines
• Host an office open house or educational seminar to provide awareness about colorectal cancer risk factors and screening options. See more tips for hosting an event.
• Reach out to local media and request coverage with this media pitch letter
• Write an editorial for your local newspaper or use our 45-second public service announcement script on a local radio station.