According to the CDC, “51,896 people died of colorectal cancer” in 2019. That was the second highest rate of all cancer fatalities, surpassed only by lung cancer. Considering that colorectal cancer can be detected and remedied in its early stages via screening, this figure is alarming. This March marks the twenty-first colorectal cancer awareness month; we invite you to spread the word, ask questions, and schedule your own screening if you are overdue.
How Can I Support Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month?
“As COVID-19 gripped the country, colorectal cancer screenings plummeted. This March, we are calling on every ally to help get screening back on track!” - CCA
While it may seem like there isn’t much you can do to make a difference, it’s not true at all! Here at the Colorectal Clinic of Tampa Bay, we’re always talking about the colon. Talk to your friends and family about the importance of screening— especially as since the start of the pandemic, many have become anxious over visiting any kind of doctor’s office, for fear of catching the virus. The longer you wait to be screened, however, the greater your chance increases that the red flags are being overlooked. At the Colorectal Clinic of Tampa Bay, we are taking every precaution to ensure that your visit is a safe visit.
Here are a few other things you can do to show your support for Colon Cancer Awareness Month while remaining covid-safe!
Wear Blue
Blue is the color that has been designated to colorectal cancer; while you can wear a simple blue t-shirt (or go all out and do an entirely blue outfit), hoping to spur a conversation, a blue ribbon might help raise more awareness and prompt more questions. We encourage you to get creative and find a blue colorectal cancer ribbon to add to your face mask when you go out.
Talk About It
Most people don’t particularly enjoy talking about their bowel movements, so naturally, discussing colon cancer tends to make people uncomfortable. While we don’t want you to go out of your way to turn someone’s stomach, this cancer is a debilitating disease that affects many Americans, that deserves a serious conversation. Try holding online events and discussions to help bring awareness to screening methods like colonoscopies. (This could be as simple as sharing this blog post and starting an online conversation with your Facebook friends!)
Share On Social Media
Speaking of which, sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram are the perfect places to start a share chain with wholesome, insightful content. Attach a personal story or a story from a friend (that you have permission to share) about a battle with colorectal cancer or their screening experiences. You could even attach a link to a GoFundMe fundraiser.
Volunteer
You can search for the group that best suits your personal comfort, but try to find an organization that has materials (printable or a toolkit) that you can hand out, post, or mail out. Some volunteers are also able to make donations, but it’s okay if you can’t; trying to raise money with friends and family through a bake sale or handmade trinkets could help you donate, too!
Encourage Friends And Family To Get Screened
Let’s face it, colonoscopies aren’t fun— even if you are sedated. However, the alternative is much worse; pull the stats out for your loved ones if they are feeling leery about scheduling a screening. At the Colorectal Clinic of Tampa Bay, we’ll do our best to keep you comfortable before, during, and after your colonoscopy. (We promise it’s not as bad as it seems!)
This March (and all year long!) we encourage you to talk about, spread the word, volunteer, donate, and get screened for colorectal cancer. We believe that when we all pitch in together, we can make a huge difference. Call the Colorectal Clinic of Tampa Bay when you’re ready to schedule your screening.