KING COUNTY, WASHINGTON - Colon cancer takes the lives of over 1,000 people in Washington state each year, but survivors and community leaders are fighting back by wearing blue on Thursday, March 8th to raise awareness that regular screening saves lives. All people should be screened starting at age 50 or earlier if there is a family history of colon cancer or polyps.

A Seattle survivor of stage four colon cancer, Anita Mitchell, started Dress in Blue Day to honor her friend, Carmen Mitchell, who lost her own battle with colon cancer. King County Executive Ron Sims, Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels and Dr. David Fleming, Director and Health Officer for Public Health – Seattle & King County are all wearing blue to show their support for greater awareness, more screenings and fewer cancer deaths.

“Colon cancer can kill, but it doesn’t have to. It’s essential that those of us over 50 get screened for this absolutely preventable disease,” urged Sims. “Don’t wait for your medical provider to remind you – ask for a colon health screening.”

“Join us in wearing blue on March 8th to promote colon cancer awareness, the importance of early screening and better health for our communities,” said Nickels. “Make a commitment to yourself and your loved ones to get this important screening at 50 or before if you have a family history.”

Colon cancer starts with a growth (polyp) that is not cancer. Screening can find and remove growths before they develop into cancer. Early detection can prevent over half of all colon cancer deaths.

Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in men and women in the United States, and 2,000 are diagnosed with the disease every year in Washington state. In 2003, 233 residents of King County died of the disease. Ninety percent of colon cancer cases occur in people aged 50 or older. Despite its high incidence, colon cancer is one of the most detectable and, if found early, most treatable forms of cancer.

Public Health encourages residents to talk to their health care providers about being screened. Colon health screening is often covered by insurance or Medicare. For those without insurance, ask your health care provider about the Washington Colon Health Program or call the Community Health Access Program (CHAP) at 1-800-756-5437.

For more information about colon cancer, including information on screening tests and follow-up colonoscopies, please visit Public Health's colon health page at www.metrokc.gov/health/colon.

For more information about the Public Health's Breast and Cervical Health Program visit www.metrokc.gov/health/women/bchp.htm.

Providing effective and innovative health and disease prevention services for over 1.8 million residents and visitors of King County, Public Health – Seattle & King County works for safer and healthier communities for everyone, every day.

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