Pictured, left to right, are Amanda Hanners, Kris Thompson, Helen Allen, Mayor Woody Jacobs, Emily Corbett and Gary Cornelius. (City of Cullman)
CULLMAN, Ala. – Cullman Mayor Woody Jacobs has officially proclaimed March 1, 2019 “Go Blue for Colorectal Cancer Awareness Day” in Cullman. On hand to accept the proclamation on behalf of the American Cancer Society (ACS) were Amanda Hanners (ACS community development manager), Gary Cornelius (member of the ACS Area Board of Directors), Emily Corbett (ACS ACT team leader), Helen Allen (Relay For Life event chair) and Kris Thompson (ACS director of human resources).
The ACS is encouraging the Cullman community to “go blue” by wearing blue on Friday, March 1 in recognition of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. when men and women are combined, but it doesn’t have to be.
“When adults get screened for colorectal cancer, it can be detected early when treatment is most likely to be successful,” said Hanners. “In most cases, it can be prevented altogether.”
About 1 in 3 adults between 50 and 75 years old – about 23 million people – are not getting tested as recommended. Deaths from colorectal cancer have dropped by more than 30 percent in the U.S. among adults 55 and older in the last 15 years, in large part due to screening. Further, people need to know that symptoms such as weight loss and blood in the stool – regardless of age – are a cause for concern and should be reported to a doctor; tell your doctor if you have a family history of the disease.
The Go Blue Day efforts are in collaboration with the ACS’ involvement with the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable’s (NCCRT) 80 % in Every Community Initiative, which continues the progress and commitment from 80 percent by 2018. The mission is to increase colorectal cancer screening rates to 80 percent in every community.
“Since the launch of the 80% by 2018 campaign, screening rates nationwide have gone up,” said Hanners. “Additionally, because of the upward trend of colorectal cancer diagnoses among young adults, the American Cancer Society updated its screening guidelines saying colorectal cancer screening should begin at age 45 for people at average risk.”
In addition to wearing blue on Friday, March 1, the ACS is asking everyone to share their photos and stories of inspiration on social media.
“Screening can save lives, but only if people get tested, early detection is key,” said Hanners. “We want everyone to join in this movement because despite our progress, work remains.”
