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Staff report
The Paducah Sun
Feb 27, 2013 | 265 views | 0
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Health officials hope to promote awareness for preventative screening tests during a nationwide campaign focused on colon cancer.
The Kentucky Cancer Program encourages people to dress in blue on Friday as part of the fifth annual screening campaign and in recognition of National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, throughout March. According to a KCP news release, Madeline Abramson, the lieutenant governor’s wife, will serve as the Dress in Blue Day honorary chairwoman for Kentucky.
Community partners, led by KCP District Cancer Councils, are sponsoring special activities throughout the month, and Lourdes hospital will kick off the campaign. The hospital will light up the Marshall Nemer Pavilion with blue lights through the end of March to bring attention to the deadly cancer.
Colon cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in the nation and state. The mortality rate in Kentucky is among the highest, claiming about 900 people each year. The cancer program hopes people will spread the word about colorectal cancer, and encourage friends and family over the age of 50 to get screened.
