Oneida County Goes Blue for Colon Cancer Awareness

Several events to raise money, awareness take place throughout March

UTICA — The Oneida County Health Department is coordinating several events throughout the month of March to raise awareness and money for the fight against colon cancer.

The Health Department is sponsoring a dress down day on March 10 in which county employees are encouraged to wear blue jeans and purchase a blue bracelet for $5 with the proceeds going to the American Cancer Society’s work toward finding a cure for colon cancer.

The Oneida County Office Building on Park Avenue in Utica will be lit up blue all month long to raise awareness as well.

The Health Department is also partnering with RoSo’s Café and Bagg’s Square Café in Utica, and Kunkel Ambulance, to promote awareness of the disease throughout the community.

“Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable types of cancer, that’s why screening with a colonoscopy is so important, because if caught early, the disease is highly treatable,” said County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr., who will be featured in Public Service Announcements encouraging colon cancer screenings throughout the month. “I’m proud of our Health Department’s efforts in raising awareness and money toward fighting the second leading cause of cancer death in this country.”

Colon cancer is preventable through colonoscopies in which polyps can be removed from the colon before becoming cancerous. Screenings are suggested to begin at age 50, but those with a family history should talk to a doctor about being screened earlier.

Full-time employees of Oneida County receive eight hours of paid leave per year to obtain cancer screenings, and in some cases, those without health insurance can have a screening paid for by the Oneida County Health Department’s Cancer Services Program.