New Symbol of Hope for Colon Cancer Cure

New Emblem Introduced for Nation's Second-Leading Cancer Killer
Colon Cancer is Most Preventable Form of Cancer

WASHINGTON - Just as the red ribbon has come to symbolize AIDS and pink represents breast cancer, the blue star symbol introduced today by the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable (NCCRT) will now signify the fight against colon cancer. The symbol has already been adopted by nearly all of the major groups in the colorectal cancer community, symbolizing their united effort in the battle to prevent colorectal cancer deaths.

"We are so pleased there is finally a symbol for colorectal cancer, the nation's second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths for men and women. This disease affects hundreds of thousands of people each year, and this symbol is a sign of our common commitment to prevention, treatment and finding a cure," said National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable Chairman Dr. Bernard Levin, of Houston's M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. "The blue star represents a united front against this disease and symbolizes that together we will one day find a cure."

The new blue star symbol for colorectal cancer was developed and nationally tested by a brand development company, and unanimously adopted by NCCRT members and their groups. The symbol is a star, representing the eternal memory of those people whose lives have already been lost to the disease and the shining hope for a future free of colon cancer. The star is merged with the more common ribbon for awareness theme and assumes a human shape. Health-concerned groups around the country plan to use the symbol beginning today on websites, brochures, pins, T-Shirts, hats, and other forms of communication - all to show their commitment to beating colon cancer.

"It wasn't that long ago that people didn't even discuss colon cancer - now we are proudly standing together to identify ourselves as people affected by, and impassioned about beating colorectal cancer," said Dr. Robert Smith, NCCRT co-chairman and Director of Screening for the American Cancer Society. "Colorectal cancer is completely preventable through early screening, and the key to reducing colorectal cancer is simply increasing awareness of the need to screen. The new blue star symbol will serve as a reminder of the importance of colon cancer screening and show that people who have been touched by the disease are not alone."

The symbol will be featured everywhere beginning today, from window displays in New York's Rockefeller Center, to displays on Chicago's Michigan Avenue, and at events in Washington, DC, Atlanta, Montreal, Minneapolis, Los Angeles, and hundreds of other locations throughout North America.

To view the new blue star symbol for colon cancer, please visit www.nccrt.org.

In 1997, the American Cancer Society (ACS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) convened the first meetings of the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable to discuss strategies for educating medical providers and the public about the importance of colorectal cancer screening. Since that time, the NCCRT has become the nation's largest colorectal cancer coalition, with more than 50 member groups representing nearly all of the colon cancer community.

Colorectal cancer is the nation's second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths for men and women, taking more than 56,000 lives each year. More than 150,000 people are diagnosed with the disease each year. Having regular screening prevents colorectal cancer by finding precancerous polyps. Removing those polyps prevents the development of colorectal cancer.

Blue Star Lapel Pins can be ordered through the American Cancer Society (ACS) at 1-866-227-7914. CCA will also have a limited quantity of pins available in March. Please call 877-422-2030 or email info@ccalliance.org if you are interested in purchasing from CCA. Blue Star Lapel Pins will be a regular item carried by CCA after March. Please check our order form in the future.