Avenue goes blue to prevent cancer

Each year, 10,000 New Yorkers are diagnosed with colon or rectum and 3,500 die from the disease. People over 50 are at increased risk. However, with early screening, more than half of these cases could be prevented. March is colorectal cancer awareness month and to promote screenings, cities in the Capital Region will be illuminated and decorated in blue and free take-home colon screening kits will be distributed. Central Avenue businesses will be participating, including PriceChopper, Planned Parenthood, and Bob and Ron's Fish Fry. “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," says Anthony J. Capece, Jr., Executive Director of the Central Business Improvement District. "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.” The Cancer Services Program of Albany also provides free and low-cost screening for breast, colon, and cervical cancer throughout the year. For more information about the program, visit their website at: http://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/cancer/services/partnerships/albany.htm or call them at 454-4055.