March 18, 2011
Photo: Jonathan Scherzer, Director of Marketing, Capital District Transportation Authority; Ashley Jeffrey, American Cancer Society Community Mission Manager; James Salengo, Executive Director, Downtown Schenectady Improvement Corporation; Anthony Capese Jr., Executive Director, Central Ave. Business Improvement District; and Sam Petrecky, Cancer Services Program client.
Capital Region Turns Blue For Colon Cancer Awareness
Loudonville, NY – March is colon cancer awareness month and this year the cities of Albany, Schenectady and Troy are turning blue to help educate residents about how to prevent and detect colon cancer early.
According to the American Cancer Society, if all adults 50 and older were screened death rates for colon cancer would be cut in half, saving approximately 25,000 lives per year. In response, the Cancer Services Programs of Albany, Schenectady and Rensselaer Counties are organizing “Main Streets Go Blue.” The program aims to raise awareness about colorectal cancer and provide free screening to area residents with little or no health insurance.
“This is an incredible opportunity to raise awareness,” said Diana Martin, regional vice president of the American Cancer Society. “Early detection is critical and some screening tools can actually prevent colon cancer, but not enough people are getting tested. That’s why an effort like this is so important.”
“Main Streets Go Blue” is a collaboration between many local health care providers, businesses and organizations. As part of the effort, the Business Improvement Districts of Albany, Schenectady and Troy have organized for parts of each city to be illuminated and decorated in blue during the month of March. Free take-home colon cancer screening kits will be offered at select Capital District Transportation Authority bus stops. In addition, the Cancer Services Program will be hosting a number of free colon cancer screening opportunities throughout the region.
“Clients age 50 and older who do not have health insurance are eligible for a free, easy take home screening kit for colorectal cancer. Breast and cervical cancer screenings are also available for women age 40 and older,” said Christie Ray-Marchetti Outreach manager for the Cancer Services Program.
Sam Petrecky discovered the cancer services program at a job fair about a year ago. After experiencing the death of his mother from cancer, Sam understood the importance of early detection. He completed the take home screening kit for colon cancer and the test came back positive. A free colonoscopy through the program followed and Sam was diagnosed with two pre-cancerous growths in his colon. The growths were removed during the colonoscopy and Sam is doing great now. Because of his experience Sam is volunteering with the program to get the word out the importance of early screenings, particularly for men.
“The life you save may be your own, it's a simple painless test,” said Sam Petrecky.
The effort is being praised by local business leaders.
“The Businesses of Central Avenue in Albany are proud to be working together with so many great partners to help spread the message of colorectal cancer awareness. The New York State Department of Health has created a very proactive life saving screening program and we are honored to offer our help to deliver the message to our community and the region. Many of our businesses are actively promoting this awareness effort and many are also hosting events. We encourage residents to find a Central Avenue business that is hosting an event and take advantage of this wonderful opportunity,” said Anthony J. Capece Jr., Executive Director of the Central Avenue Business Improvement District.
“The Downtown Schenectady Improvement Corporation is very happy to support the Main Streets Go Blue campaign, especially during this busy month when The Lion King is at Proctors and many visitors will be able to see participating business windows,” said Executive Director Jim Salengo. “We truly hope to bring added awareness to Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and how important it is for men and women over 50 to get screened.”
“The Downtown Troy Business Improvement District is delighted to be able to partner with the American Cancer Society and the Cancer Services Program. When the business world and the non-profit world come together and work towards the common goal of better health for our citizens, much positive progress can be made. A healthy world is a prosperous one,” added Elizabeth Young of the Downtown Troy Business Improvement District and Troy Downtown Collaborative.
“CDTA is pleased to work with the American Cancer Society, our local business districts and the community to spread awareness of cancer prevention,” said CDTA Chairwoman Denise Figueroa. “If we can help save even one person through this bus stop outreach then our efforts will have been well worth it.”
The American Cancer Society and the Cancer Services Program urge everyone age 50 and older to get screened for colon cancer. The Cancer Services Program provides no-cost colon, breast and cervical cancer screening to the uninsured or underinsured.
