Colon Cancer Awareness month kicks off

Published 4:30 am Saturday, March 7, 2020

Usually when law enforcement says “cavity check,” it’s not a good thing. But for Colon Cancer Awareness Month, Cullman county law enforcement leader and community leaders are encouraging colon cancer screening as a way of saving lives.

On Friday, Cullman kicked off Colon Cancer Awareness Month with “Go Blue Day” at Depot Park. Blue is the color used to show support for colon cancer patients.

The Cullman Police Department and Cullman County Sheriff’s Office provided the Joint Cullman Colon Task Force and did a blue light drive at the park, where Cullman Mayor Woody Jacobs also presented at proclamation announcing the day as “Go Blue Day” in Cullman. Cullman Relay for Life members were also there in blue to show their support.

Colon cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in United States, among cancers that affect both men and women. About 140,000 Americans each year will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer, and more than 50,000 die from it. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends men and women over the age of 50 get screened for colon cancer regularly. People at high risk for colon cancer should begin testing for the disease earlier.

At Friday’s event Gary Cornelius with Cullman Relay for Life said, “Colon cancer is one of the most preventable cancers we fight.” He and Jacobs both stressed the need for people to get colonoscopies. “Get your rear in gear,” urged Cornelious.