As March marks National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, public health advocates and national cancer organizations are urging Hoosiers — and especially Black residents, who face higher risks and mortality — to take advantage of screening options and community resources that can prevent this largely avoidable disease.
Colorectal cancer remains one of the deadliest cancers in the United States, but it is also one of the most preventable when caught early. The American Cancer Society reports that Black Americans are about 20% more likely to get colorectal cancer and about 40% more likely to die from it compared with most other racial and ethnic groups in the U.S.
National voices on awareness and equity
“Lack of awareness is a key factor in delaying potentially life-saving screening,” said Michael Sapienza, CEO of the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, underscoring the importance of targeted education in underserved communities. “As the leading nonprofit dedicated to ending this disease, the Alliance is committed to spreading education among underserved communities and breaking down barriers.”
Sapienza’s group has also emphasized equity at the policy level. In past statements tied to legislative efforts, he noted that “disparities in health care, including access to high-quality colorectal cancer screening and treatment, are an enduring and shameful burden faced by Black Americans,” advocating for policies that ensure equal access to prevention and early detection tools.
National leaders at the White House have also highlighted key screening innovations in support of awareness efforts.
In a Presidential Proclamation recognizing National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, the White House highlighted recent advances in screening, including new approvals for blood-based screening tests that expand options beyond traditional colonoscopy and stool DNA testing — a move officials say could improve access for more Americans.
Local events across Indiana
Several Indiana organizations are hosting events and educational opportunities throughout March:
- The Indiana Cancer Consortium is promoting statewide awareness activities and encouraging clinics to increase screening outreach, including distribution of educational materials and fecal immunochemical test kits through community partners.
- The Indiana Primary Health Care Association is working with federally qualified health centers across the state to expand screening navigation, insurance assistance and at-home stool test access for uninsured and underinsured residents.
- The American Cancer Society and the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable are hosting virtual educational webinars during March that are open to Indiana residents and health professionals focused on increasing screening in underserved communities. Register here: nccrt.org/event/2026webcast.
Residents can also check their local county health department websites for pop-up screening days, education sessions and “Dress in Blue Day” events happening throughout the month.
Local health departments and federally qualified health centers
Many Indiana county health departments and FQHCs are hosting events this March focused on education, early detection and free or low-cost screening navigation. These clinics often help patients access at-home screening (FIT) kits, talk through options and connect uninsured residents with follow-up care.
Colorectal Cancer Alliance
The Alliance offers risk assessments, screening guides and culturally tailored education for Black and African American communities. Its Health Equity Fund supports expanded access to screening and care.
American Cancer Society & National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable
These organizations provide free webinars, toolkits and outreach materials designed to increase screening rates and close racial gaps.
Health professionals encourage people ages 45 and older — and those with family history or symptoms — to talk with a clinician about the right screening schedule.
Why screening matters and what you can do
Colorectal cancer can often be detected before symptoms appear — and in many cases prevented entirely — through regular screening that identifies and removes precancerous polyps. The American Cancer Society recommends adults begin routine screening at 45 for average risk, with earlier screening for those with family history or other risk factors.
• Talk with your clinician about all screening options — including colonoscopy, stool tests and newer blood-based screening tools.
• Ask your clinic about at-home FIT kits if in-office testing is a barrier.
• Connect with local health departments or FQHCs for assistance with scheduling or insurance navigation.
• Access national education tools to understand your risk and prevention options.
“Colorectal cancer is highly treatable when caught early,” said Dr. Cedrek McFadden, colorectal cancer surgeon and member of the Alliance’s Medical Scientific Advisory Committee, a reminder that early detection saves lives and effective screening remains one of the most powerful tools in reducing racial disparities.
Residents looking to schedule screening, learn about risk factors or find support can visit colorectalcancer.org to learn more.
This reporting is made possible by a grant from the Indianapolis African-American Quality of Life Initiative, empowering our community with essential health insights. https://iaaqli.org/
Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth.
Hanna Rauworth is the Health & Environmental Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper, where she covers topics at the intersection of public health, environmental issues, and community impact. With a commitment to storytelling that informs and empowers, she strives to highlight the challenges and solutions shaping the well-being of Indianapolis residents.
