Press Releases

September 7, 2010

DC IS TURNING BLUE FOR COLON CANCER

MORE THAN 60 CONGRESSIONAL LEADERS LEND THEIR SUPPORT TO INCREASE COLON CANCER AWARENESS

Washington, DC (September 7, 2010) – DC Goes Blue for Colon Cancer will take place during the week of September 26 through October 3 to help bring greater awareness to colon cancer.  The event is sponsored by the Colon Cancer Alliance (CCA) and is part of the national Cities Go Blue for Colon Cancer tour.  This weeklong awareness campaign celebrates survivors while stressing the importance of getting screened for colon cancer, which is treatable when caught early through screening.

“Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States, with Washington, DC having one of the highest rates for this disease in the nation,” said Andrew Spiegel, Chief Executive Officer of the Colon Cancer Alliance.  “This year, more than 142,000 Americans will be diagnosed with colon and rectal cancer – more than three times the amount of people it would take to fill up Washington Nationals Park.  By partnering with community organizations, restaurants, religious institutions and more, we can work together to educate the public about the importance of screenings and save lives in the process.”

DC Goes Blue is being recognized by almost sixty Congressional leaders who have agreed to serve as honorary chairs for this effort.  As honorary chairs, they support the DC Goes Blue campaign to get people screened and recognize the impact that colon cancer has in the District. 

Blue is the universally-recognized color for colon cancer and as such, participating groups will show their support by displaying a blue decal in their windows, offering specials on products or simply wearing blue.   

Daily events such as happy hours, health fairs and a Colon Cancer Awareness Night at Nationals Park will take place throughout the week.  As part of the program, the CCA and its partners will be providing free colorectal cancer screenings to the underserved and uninsured communities of the District. The DC Goes Blue celebration will conclude on Sunday, October 3 with the Undy 5000 5K run at the East Potomac Park, which begins at 8:00 a.m.

For more information about DC Goes Blue for Colon Cancer or to find out about events taking place during the week, visit www.dcgoesblue.com or email: dcgoesblue@ccalliance.org. To register or learn more about the Undy5000 5K run, visit www.undy5000.org.

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The Colon Cancer Alliance (CCA) is the oldest and largest national patient advocacy organization dedicated to ending the suffering caused by colorectal cancer. In order to increase rates of screening and survivorship, the CCA provides patient support, public education, supports research and conducts advocacy work across America.

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