To The Editor:
Why? Raise awareness about colon cancer, celebrate survivors and help patients in need during March’s National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month by participating in the National Dress in Blue Day program.
When? Celebrated on the first Friday of March, Dress in Blue Day brings nationwide attention to colon cancer and celebrates the courage of those affected by this disease.
Why Blue? Similar to breast cancer’s pink ribbon, the nationally recognized blue star represents the eternal memory of the people whose lives have been lost to the disease and the shining hope for a future free of colon cancer.
Why Raise Awarenesss About Colon Cancer? Colon Cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. Why? Colon cancer typically has no symptoms until it has already progressed to later stages – making it much more difficult to treat. The good news is a routine colonoscopy every 10 years starting at age 50 could help save thousands of lives in this country every year by finding and removing polyps before they have a chance to turn into cancer, or detecting colon cancer in its early stages when treatment is most effective.
Thanks and please get screened. It could save your life!
LAWRENCE (LARRY) PILARSKI
Bayonne Ostomy Alliance