Fight Colorectal Cancer will install its fifth annual United in Blue monument on the National Mall from March 1-14, 2026, as the organization highlights a growing public health concern. The installation will feature over 27,000 blue flags, each representing an individual under age 50 projected to receive a colorectal cancer diagnosis in 2030, underscoring the scale of the disease's impact on younger demographics.
The campaign arrives amid new research from the American Cancer Society documenting a significant shift in cancer mortality trends. Colorectal cancer has emerged as the leading cancer killer among Americans under 50, surpassing previous leading causes. Mortality rates within this age group increased in 2025, marking a troubling acceleration in a trend that has prompted increased scrutiny from public health officials and medical organizations.
The visible installation on the National Mall serves as both a public awareness effort and a call to action regarding early detection and prevention strategies. The timing of the campaign reflects the growing urgency within the medical and nonprofit sectors to address colorectal cancer incidence in younger populations, a demographic shift that has prompted renewed attention to screening recommendations and risk factors specific to this age group.