A healthcare marketer’s playbook

Colorectal cancer awareness is more than a moment on the calendar — it’s a life-saving movement that can unite healthcare marketers, and community health initiatives all at once. Raising visibility about colorectal cancer month encourages regular screening which fosters early detection and ultimately reduces cancer-related deaths.

Understanding colorectal cancer awareness month

Colorectal Cancer Month is a dedicated time each year to highlight the importance of preventing, detecting, and treating cancers of the colon and rectum. According to the American Cancer Society, about 1 in 24 men and 1 in 26 women in the United States will develop colorectal cancer during their lifetime.

This annual observance in March gives healthcare marketers a prime opportunity to ramp up educational outreach, promote screenings, and personalize treatment. By aligning promotional campaigns, community events, and digital outreach with this dedicated month, you can engage patients in proactive healthcare behaviors and emphasize the life-saving power of early detection.

Community health initiatives: uniting for better health

Community health initiatives are powerful tools for bringing together local organizations, medical practices, and influencers. Health fairs and screening events can help spread awareness and boost screening rates in a friendly, accessible environment. They can also highlight how check-ups and lifestyle changes can lower the risk for conditions like heart disease and colorectal cancer.

• Use social media and local press: Post about upcoming awareness events and share real patient stories.
• Partner with nonprofits and local businesses: Consider co-hosting events with gyms, grocery stores, or other community-focused organizations to amplify reach.
• Offer free or discounted screenings: Encourage people who might otherwise skip screenings to come in and get tested.

Injecting humor to ease tension

Using a little humor in your messaging, when appropriate, can help break down barriers without it being taken personally. Particularly if the subject is delicate, like colon cancer. One memorable campaign had a glossy red Corvette and a tagline that said, “Time for routine maintenance on your tailpipe.” This strategy works because consumers see themselves as people, not patients.

Judicious use of humor doesn’t diminish the gravity of cancer. But it can help you grab attention and persuade people to take that first step to screening.

Here are a few examples of other clever campaign images:

Effective marketing tactics for healthcare marketers

Healthcare marketers need targeted strategies to reach the right audience with the right message. By focusing on education and preventative care, you can drive revenue growth while empowering individuals to take control of their health.

1. Segment your audience: Tailor messages for different age groups or risk profiles. For instance, individuals over 45 may need direct reminders about colorectal screenings, while younger audiences benefit from learning about long-term preventative measures.
2. Leverage digital channels: Maintain a consistent social media presence and use email newsletters to remind patients of screening appointments and share tips on healthy living.
3. Embrace storytelling: Highlight success stories that show how early detection can save lives. Personal anecdotes resonate better than medical jargon.
4. Build interactive campaigns: Launch online quizzes or health risk assessments to make information more engaging. When people feel personally involved, they are more likely to schedule their screenings.

According to the CDC, increasing screening prevalence to 80% could reduce deaths from colorectal cancer by 33% by 2030. That’s a powerful hook in any marketing piece. And it reminds your audience that simple steps can have a profound impact on health outcomes.

Maximize your campaign impact with Unlock Health risk assessments & SEM strategies

As you champion colon cancer awareness month promotions, our team at Unlock Health is here to support your growth. Our colon cancer health risk assessment can pinpoint patient vulnerabilities and enable you to activate patient engagement by delivering personalized content and reminders. Pairing HRAs with search engine marketing (SEM) strategies helps you reach targeted audiences effectively, improving both your screening campaigns and overall brand presence.

By integrating these strategies, you can personalize treatment recommendations, expand service lines, and ultimately drive revenue growth for your organization. Each of these outcomes aligns with the overarching goal of improving community health through timely interventions and continuous education.

How we can help you

March is more than just the start of spring. By dedicating your resources and energy to colon cancer awareness month, you can empower your audience to take proactive steps. From online campaigns to community health initiatives, the power to make a genuine impact lies in your hands.

Use this March to highlight screenings, foster healthier lifestyles, and remind everyone that early detection can save lives. As you build your promotional calendar and tailor your messaging, keep it clear, engaging, and supportive — and remember, we’re here to help you create campaigns that resonate and drive meaningful change.

Stay ahead of the curve on health awareness months

You’ll never miss a health awareness month when you download our free calendar. It can help you keep track of upcoming observances, and it highlights corresponding HRAs that can amplify your campaigns.