MEDIA ADVISORY: “Dress in Blue Day” community event reminds people of the importance of colon cancer screening
March 3, 2020WHO: The Kentucky Cancer Program, honorary Dress in Blue chair Madeline Abramson, UofL Basketball legend Darrell Griffith, colorectal cancer survivor Dr. John Huggins, Louisville Metro Council members David James and Barbara Sexton-Smith and the public.
WHAT: The public is invited to learn how to prevent colon cancer as they tour the “Incredible Colon,” enjoy blue refreshments, collect dress-in-blue swag and enter a drawing for a basketball signed by University of Louisville Men’s Head Basketball Coach Chris Mack. This community event is to educate everyone of the importance of colon cancer screenings, increase cancer education and provide referrals.
WHERE: Republic Bank Foundation YMCA, 1720 W. Broadway
WHEN: Friday, March 6, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Photo opportunity: At 11:30 a.m., YMCA members will take a “Blue Walk” around the indoor track led by the special guests to show the importance of physical activity.
WHY: March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Although colon cancer may be prevented with regular screenings, nearly 2,600 new cases of colorectal cancer are diagnosed each year in Kentucky. It remains the second leading cause of cancer deaths in men and women combined. Screening is recommended for anyone age 50 and older, as age is a common risk factor.
Everyone – even if they are a Cardinals fan – is encouraged to Dress in Blue on March 6 to increase awareness of the importance of colorectal cancer screening.
CONTACT: Janikaa Sherrod, Kentucky Cancer Program, 502-852-6318, janikaa.sherrod@louisville.edu
Betty Coffman, UofL, 502-852-4573, 502-475-5727, betty.coffman@louisville.edu
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About the Kentucky Cancer Program:
The Kentucky Cancer Program (KCP) serves every corner of the Commonwealth with information and services to reduce the impact of cancer. Created by legislation enacted in 1982, KCP was established to reduce cancer incidence and mortality through education, research, and service. The program is administered jointly by the University of Louisville James Graham Brown Cancer center and the University of Kentucky Lucille Parker Markey Cancer Center. KCP has 13 offices across the state, staffed by cancer control specialists who coordinate cancer prevention and early detection programs, patient and family services, professional education and training, and who mobilize communities through coalitions and partnerships to address local cancer problems.
Betty Coffman is a communications coordinator focused on research and innovation at UofL. A UofL alumna and Louisville native, she served as a writer and editor for local and national publications and as an account services coordinator and copywriter for marketing and design firms prior to joining UofL’s Office of Communications and Marketing.