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Hit The Switch — Turn CHQ Blue

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States. This year, more than 135,000 people will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Over one-third will die from this disease. Colorectal cancer can be prevented by removing polyps before they become cancer. Despite available testing options, 1 in 3 adults between the ages of 50 and 75 — about 23 million people — are not getting screened as recommended. Screening should start at age 50 and there is more than one screening test option. At-home test kits are available.

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Join organizations and businesses across Chautauqua County by doing your part to raise awareness and prevent colorectal cancer. Here are five things that you can do to help.

¯ Sign the 80 percent by 2018 Pledge. It represents a commitment to work toward increasing the number of people screened, substantially reducing colorectal cancer as a major public health problem. The official pledge signing was Friday at 11 a.m. in the Legislative Chambers, 3rd floor, Gerace Office Building, 3 N. Erie St. in Mayville. If you cannot attend the official pledge signing, you can take the pledge online at www.nccrt.org/tools/80-percent-by-2018 or by contacting the Chautauqua Co. Cancer Services Program at 800-506-9185.

¯ Display a Blue Light Bulb to Turn CHQ Blue. Light up your home, business or any area with a blue light bulb to help increase awareness. Light bulbs are on sale at locations throughout the county. To get a blue light bulb, call the Chautauqua County Cancer Services Program at 1-800-506-9185 or visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cancerservicesprogram. Indoor bulbs are $2. Outdoor flood lights are $8.

¯ Share Colon Cancer Screening Information. Check out the CDC’s Screen for Life: National Colorectal Cancer Action Campaign at www.cdc.gov/cancer/colorectal/sfl. You can call Cancer Services Program at 800-506-9185 to request educational materials to share.

¯ GET SCREENED. Be the most important part of 80 percent by 2018!

The Chautauqua County Cancer Services Program is a division of the Chautauqua County Department of Health and Human Services. Cancer Services Program provides breast, cervical and colorectal cancer screenings to women and men who are un-insured. Need help? Call us today at 800-506-9185.

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