Colon and rectal cancers are one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers in areas of Northeastern Pennsylvania with regional incident rates about 18 percent higher than the U.S. average, according to Northeast Regional Cancer Institute.
In response, the institute has created Colon Cancer Awareness Saves Unlimited Lives Day. This is a program to promote awareness of colon cancer and how early detection could significantly save lives.
Student Services Associates Ann Marie Carey and Camille Daniels volunteered as captains for the Wilkes University C.A.S.U.A.L. Day “team.”
Both learned about the event from a Lunch ‘n Learn, coordinated byWilkes human resources generalist Michele Grushinski, . At these Lunch ‘N Learns, faculty and staff are welcome to a free lunch and to learn about various wellness topics.
“This is what got us involved,” Daniels said. “We were shocked that Northeast Pennsylvania is 18 percent higher than the U.S. average, and with early detection, you can be helped.”
C.A.S.U.A.L. Day was created in the memory of Helen Phillips, who battled against colon cancers and passed away in the summer of 2002.
Northeast Regional Cancer Institute will host the 9th annual C.A.S.U.A.L. Day March 29. This event will be a day dedicated to wearing C.A.S.U.A.L. day golden-yellow T-shirts and pins that were sold on Wednesday, March 14, at Student Services.
Various organizations across Northeastern Pennsylvania including Gertrude Hawk Chocolates, Marywood University, WNEP News Station will also be sponsoring C.A.S.U.A.L. day along with Wilkes.
“It’s good as a university to get involved in the community to support public awareness,” Carey said.
The proceeds of the C.A.S.U.A.L. day T-shirts will go towards colon cancer awareness.
“Since the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute is a local organization, 100 percent of the funds raised through C.A.S.U.A.L. Day will stay in Northeastern Pennsylvania to support colorectal cancer education and outreach efforts,” Northeast Regional Cancer Institute Community Relations coordinator and Wilkes alumnae Christine Zavaskas said.
For more information about C.A.S.U.A.L. day and to participate in March Colon Cancer Awareness Month activities, visit www.cancernepa.org.