COLUMBUS, Ohio – Community members are encouraged to take part in a series of events throughout the month of March in honor of National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, hosted by The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James) and Ohio State’s division of gastroenterology, hepatology and nutrition. Organizers say they want to take the stigma out of colorectal cancer screening while also teaching people about healthful habits, such as diet and exercise that can reduce a person’s risk for colorectal cancer. “We want people to stop avoiding the conversation and start talking to their peers and loved ones about the importance of colorectal cancer screening. Far too many people are dying from a cancer that is highly treatable — even curable — when caught early,” says Darrell Gray II, MD, MPH, a gastroenterologist with the OSUCCC – James and co-director of the Center for Cancer Health Equity. “Colonoscopy can literally save lives and we want to take the fear out of having this important screening test.” More than 136,000 people are diagnosed annually with colon and rectal cancers, according to 2014 American Cancer Society estimations. It is the third most common form of cancer diagnosed in both men and women. The disease has a 90 percent survival rate when caught in its earliest stages. Gray says the disease is often preventable with screening tests such a colonoscopy that can identify and remove precancerous growths called polyps. Nearly Half of Ohioans Have Not Had Colorectal Cancer Screening An estimated 53 percent of Ohioans 50 years of age and older report having had a colorectal cancer screening within the past five years, according to 2012 data from the Center for Disease Control’s Behavioral Risk Surveillance System. “This has significant implications for all of our residents, but particularly for African-Americans who have the highest incidence and death rates. They also often present at age younger and with more advanced polyps or cancer as compared to other ethnic and racial groups,” says Gray. “Our goal in the physician and cancer advocacy community is to achieve 80 percent screening compliance nationwide by 2018.” Colorectal Cancer Screening Guidelines Individuals age 50 or older of average risk should receive a screening colonoscopy every 10 years to look for early signs of cancer. The American College of Gastroenterology recommends that African Americans begin screening at age 45. Additionally, people with a personal history inflammatory bowel disease, strong family history of colorectal cancer or polyps or a known family history of hereditary colorectal cancer syndrome such as familial adenomatous polyposis or Lynch syndrome should begin screening earlier. There are several screening test options available. Gray stresses that individuals should talk to a healthcare provider about the best option for them. Community Events During Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month The following events are free and open to the public as a part of the Provider and Community Engagement (PACE) Program for Health Equity in Colorectal Cancer Prevention. Appointments are required for screening events and the “Walk With A Doc” events. Colorectal Cancer Screening Saturdays Gastroenterologists at Ohio State will be performing colonoscopies on Saturdays throughout the month of March and first week of April. Patients must be referred by a healthcare provider and schedule an appointment in advance of the screening day. Priority will be given to uninsured patients. Call (614) 293-6255 to schedule an appointment or question.  Saturday, March 5 and Saturday, March 19 University Hospital, 410 W. 10th Ave.  Doan Hall, 2nd Floor, Endoscopy Suite Saturday, March 12 and Saturday, April 2 University Hospital East, 1492 E. Broad St. 1st Floor, Endoscopy Suite Cooking Demonstration and Healthful Eating for Wellness Talk Wednesday, March 16, 6 p.m. Carepoint East, 543 Taylor Ave./2nd floor Conference Room 2133 RVSP at pace.program@osumc.edu Line Dancing and Exercise for Wellness Talk Wednesday, March 23 at 6 p.m. The Eldon and Elsie Ward YMCA, 130 Woodland Ave./Multipurpose Room RSVP at pace.program@osumc.edu Walk With a Doc Grocery Store Tours Participants will have the opportunity to talk to a registered dietician and Ohio State doctor about healthy food choices on a budget and cancer-fighting fruits and vegetables on a grocery walking tour. Space is limited to the first 10 individuals who register. Monday, March 7 at 6 p.m. Kroger Brewer’s Yard, 150 W. Sycamore St. RSVP at pace.program@osumc.edu. Monday, March 28 at 6 p.m. Giant Eagle Grandview Yard, 840 W. 3rd Ave. RSVP at pace.program@osumc.edu. Inflatable Colon Guided Tours Community members will have the unique opportunity to walk through a colossal 30-foot inflatable colon to learn more about how colon cancer forms and spreads as part of the March Madness Health and Wellness Expo. Saturday, March 5 10 a.m.-3 p.m. The Eldon and Elsie Ward YMCA 130 Woodland Ave. More Information For questions or additional information, email pace.program@osumc.edu. To schedule a Saturday screening, call 614-293-6255. Health Disparities Conference Held in Columbus March 19 In addition to these free public events, Gray is leading the second annual Cancer Disparities Conference: Best Practices in Community Health Settings on Saturday, March 19. Otis W. Brawley, MD, chief medical officer of the American Cancer Society will be the keynote speaker.  -30- About the OSUCCC – James The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute strives to create a cancer-free world by integrating scientific research with excellence in education and patient-centered care, a strategy that leads to better methods of prevention, detection and treatment. Ohio State is one of only 45 National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers and one of only four centers funded by the NCI to conduct both phase I and phase II clinical trials on novel anticancer drugs. As the cancer program’s 306-bed adult patient-care component, The James is one of the top cancer hospitals in the nation as ranked by U.S. News & World Report and has achieved Magnet designation, the highest honor an organization can receive for quality patient care and professional nursing practice. At 21 floors with more than 1.1 million square feet, The James is a transformational facility that fosters collaboration and integration of cancer research and clinical cancer care.  Media Contact: Amanda Harper Director, Media Relations The OSUCCC – James Direct: 614-685-5420 amanda.harper2@osumc.edu