TORONTO, March 3, 2014 /CNW/ - March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, a time when thousands of individuals, companies and community groups across the country help raise awareness, support those touched by the disease and encourage others to get screened. Colorectal cancer is the third most common diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death for men and women combined in Canada.
People are dressing up to turn the country blue, the official color for colon cancer awareness, by hosting denim days and blue costume contests at offices and schools, holding local fundraising events, getting involved on social media and so much more.
"March awareness month and Dress in Blue Day are part of an international movement to boost colon cancer awareness and reach out to the thousands of families touched by the disease as well as the population at large. It provides our community with the opportunity to show support for patients and their families by simply dressing in blue and helping to raise funds to combat the disease. For the general population, it opens the door to colonversation to help break down barriers and taboos of talking about a disease that is preventable, treatable and beatable," said Barry D. Stein president of the Colorectal Cancer Association of Canada ("CCAC").
"We are encouraging Canadians to discuss their screening options with their physicians and better understand that screening means getting checked before there are any signs or symptoms. Our goal is to ensure all men and women in Canada between the ages of 50-74 are screened for the disease. A simple screening test can save thousands of lives," Stein added.
Dress in Blue Day is held annually on the first Friday of March (March 7th) but activities go on all month long. On this day, we unite in the color blue to raise funds to support the CCAC's amazing programs dedicated to awareness, patient support and advocacy on their behalf. To join in on Dress in Blue Day you can find all the information about the event and register at http://ccac.donordrive.com/. You can be an individual fundraiser or team member or just dress in blue and show your support!
Last year about 23,900 Canadians (13,200 men and 10,600 women) were diagnosed with colon cancer about 9,200 people (5,000 men and 4,200 women) died from this disease. But did you know that colon cancer is preventable through recommended screening and is treatable and beatable when detected and treated in its early stages. Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and Dress in Blue Day engage schools, businesses, community groups and individuals to spread lifesaving knowledge on how to prevent colorectal cancer.
About the CCAC
The Colorectal Cancer Association of Canada is the country's leading non-profit organization dedicated to increasing awareness of colorectal cancer, supporting patients and advocating on their behalf.
Visit: ccac.donordrive.com for more information on Dress in Blue Day:
Visit: colorectal-cancer.ca for up-to-date information on colorectal cancer or call 1.877.50.COLON (26566).
SOURCE: Colorectal Cancer Association of Canada
To schedule an interview contact:
Stephani Arulthas
T: (514) 875-7745 ext. 228
C: (514) 559-0138
[email protected]
Barry D. Stein
President, CCAC
[email protected]
T: 514.875.7899
C: 514.944.0200
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