Organize Blue Mars in Business The Complete Guide to Taking Action Against Colorectal Cancer

Every March, France mobilizes under the banner of blue ribbon to fight colorectal cancer, the second leading cause of cancer death in our country. Yet, only 34 % of the employees concerned are carrying out the recommended screening test. This alarming figure reveals a concrete opportunity for businesses: to make your premises a place for raising awareness and active prevention.

As an HSE manager, HR professional, or executive, you are on the front line to raise awareness of health issues among your employees. This article provides you with the keys to understanding colorectal cancer, recognizing its warning signs, and above all, organize an effective and impactful Blue March action in your company.

Blue March: Why should companies get involved?

Blue March is the national colorectal cancer screening awareness campaign, led by the French National Health Insurance and the League Against Cancer. It aims to break the taboo surrounding a cancer that often develops without any symptoms for years. The workplace, a daily living space for millions of French people, is an exceptional vehicle for raising awareness.

According to the French Labor Code (article L.4121-1), employers have a legal obligation to protect the physical and mental health of their employees. Cancer prevention is fully integrated into this framework. Beyond the legal obligation, it represents a significant human and economic investment: sick leave due to cancer represents a considerable direct and indirect cost for the organization. Early detection leads to better treatment and reduces the impact on business continuity.

Cancer detected at a localized stage offers a 5-year survival rate of 90%. However, at the metastatic stage (stage IV), this rate drops to 12%. Every year of delay counts. → Discover our workplace health prevention solutions

Signs of Colorectal Cancer Not to Ignore

Colorectal cancer is particularly insidious: it often progresses without any perceptible sign in the early stages. This is precisely why organized screening is essential, even in the absence of symptoms. When signs do appear, they may indicate an already advanced stage of the disease.

Warning signs that should never be ignored, according to the French National Authority for Health (HAS) and the National Health Insurance:

Risk factors to be aware of

Some of your employees are more at risk. The main risk factors identified by the HAS (French National Authority for Health) are age (over 50 in 95% of cases), a personal or family history of polyps or colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and lifestyle: sedentary behavior, a diet high in red meat and processed meats, alcohol consumption, smoking, and being overweight. The sedentary lifestyle factor is particularly relevant in a professional context: each additional two hours spent sitting increases the risk by 4 to 7%. Conversely, regular physical activity can reduce this risk by 18 to 29%.

Organized Screening: Simple, Free and Effective

Since 2024, the Health Insurance system has been directly inviting all individuals to 50 to 74 years old to have the fecal immunochemical test (FIT) performed every 2 years, free of charge and without upfront payment. The kit can also be ordered online at monkit.depistage-colorectal.fr or picked up at a pharmacy.

The test is performed at home in just a few minutes, using a single stool sample. If the result is positive (approximately 4% of cases), a colonoscopy is prescribed to confirm or rule out the presence of a lesion. A positive test does not necessarily mean there is cancer: in more than 50% of colonoscopies performed after a positive test, no abnormalities are detected. → Discover our Medisur colorectal self-test

How to Organize Blue March in Your Company: 5 Concrete Steps

Organizing a Blue March event doesn't require complex logistics. Here's a turnkey action plan to mobilize your employees effectively and positively.

Conclusion: Your Business Can Save Lives This March

Colorectal cancer is not a death sentence. With 47,582 new cases per year in France And with screening participation rates stagnating at 34%, there is immense room for improvement. The workplace is a trusted ecosystem where people can speak more freely about their health than elsewhere.

By organizing Blue March this year, you transform your work environment into a driver of proactive prevention. You protect your employees, strengthen your HR culture, and fulfill your legal obligations regarding occupational health. It's a concrete, measurable, and powerfully impactful action.