WASHINGTON, Feb. 29, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Getting people to talk about colon cancer can be difficult, but the Colon Cancer Alliance (CCA) aims to do just that during National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month this March. From running a 5K in underwear to turning the White House blue, innovative events scheduled throughout the month will bring colon cancer, the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S., into the national spotlight.
National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month is a great opportunity to openly discuss the disease and learn what can be done to prevent it. Understanding risk factors, symptoms and screening options could mean the difference between life and death. Each year, more than 142,000 Americans are diagnosed with the disease and nearly 50,000 lives are lost, but screening tests such as colonoscopies can go a long way toward reducing these statistics. During a colonoscopy, polyps can be found and removed before they ever turn into cancer, or cancer can be detected in its early stages, when treatment is most effective.
"We have a great line up of activities that everyone, no matter their age, can take part in to get people talking about colon cancer," said Andrew Spiegel, CEO of the Colon Cancer Alliance. "From Sacramento to Nashville to Washington, DC, we are bringing this disease front and center, all in an effort to cast aside the stigma and embarrassment associated with talking about colon cancer. Through the many programs we have lined up during March, we are confident that people will take our message of being screened to heart and by doing so, help us realize our vision of a future free of colon cancer."
Dress in Blue Day
Blue. It's the nationally recognized color for colon cancer. On Friday, March 2nd, the 4th annual Dress in Blue Day program will kick off the month of activities. Held in communities throughout the nation, Dress in Blue Day is designed to promote awareness of colon cancer, encourage screening and raise funds. Funds raised through Dress in Blue Day will benefit the Colon Cancer Alliance's Blue Note Fund program, which provides financial assistance for colon cancer patients in need. To learn how you can get involved, visit www.dressinblueday.com.
White House Petition
For the first time ever, the Colon Cancer Alliance has embarked on a petition drive to turn the White House blue. Through the White House's We the People platform, the Colon Cancer Alliance is hoping to obtain 25,000 signatures by March 14th in a quest to raise colon cancer awareness on a national scale. To sign the petition, visit www.wh.gov/0mK.
Undy 5000 5K Run
Sometimes, it takes something daring to get people talking about colon cancer. Running through the streets in your boxers does just that! The Undy 5000 will be held in 16 cities across the country in an effort to educate the public about colon cancer, promote screenings and encourage people to talk about the disease. A portion of the proceeds from the Undy 5000 stays in the community to fund local screening programs. This year, the Colon Cancer Alliance's Undy 5000, in addition to providing race day boxers for entrants, will feature a walk-though inflatable colon, providing people with an up-close look at this disease. During the month of March, the Undy 5000 will take place in:
- Sacramento, CA - March 3
- San Diego, CA - March 10
- St. Louis, MO - March 31
More information about the Undy 5000 can be found at www.undy5000.org.
Stars Go Blue
Taking place in Nashville on Saturday, March 6, the Colon Cancer Alliance presents the 4th annual Stars Go Blue benefit concert. This year's event features country superstars Trace Adkins and Exile. Proceeds benefit the Colon Cancer Alliance's Blue Note Fund, which provides financial assistance to colon cancer patients in need. For tickets to the Stars Go Blue benefit concert, visit www.ccalliance.org.
Live Tele-Chat
Take advantage of a free Tele-Chat, Affordable Health Care – Understanding Current and Future Legislation, on March 7th. Whether you are a survivor or someone at risk of developing cancer, federal and state laws have an impact on your healthcare. Learn how legislation affects both colon cancer prevention and treatment and what you can do about it. Topics covered will include: access to doctors, coverage of colonoscopies and other tests and prescription benefits. Visit www.ccalliance.org for more information.
Unite 2 Crush Colon Cancer Rally
On March 28, in Washington, DC, the Colon Cancer Alliance in partnership with Chris4Life Colon Cancer Foundation will host a unifying rally and reception for patients, healthcare providers, advocacy groups, corporations and government to raise awareness for colon cancer advocacy and screening. For more information, visit www.coloncancerrally.com.
For more information about the Colon Cancer Alliance and the many programs offered during the month of March and throughout the year, visit www.ccalliance.org.
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The Colon Cancer Alliance is the nation's leading colon cancer patient advocacy organization dedicated to the prevention and survivorship of this disease. It provides a variety of support, education and awareness programs throughout the year for patients, survivors, caregivers and the general public.