STATE OF DELAWARE LAUNCHES - "BE THERE FOR YOUR BUCKET LIST"

Colorectal Cancer Health Initiative

DOVER (March 6, 2014) - In an effort to educate Delawareans about the importance of getting regular colonoscopy screenings, the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) and the Delaware Cancer Consortium (DCC) have launched their "Be There for Your Bucket List" health initiative.

During National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in March, the initiative will focus on colon screenings, which doctors recommend every ten years for men and women 50 and older (and more often for those with a family history of colorectal cancer). Events and activities throughout the month will emphasize not only the importance of screening, but also early detection.

"Colorectal cancer is the third most common cause of cancer deaths among males and females in Delaware, yet it's highly preventable and treatable with regular screenings," said Lisa Henry, DPH Chronic Disease Bureau Chief. "We want Delawareans to give their loved ones an extra nudge to talk to their doctor and schedule a colonoscopy."

The state has partnered with employers, membership organizations, church charity stores, retirement communities, and physical therapy offices that will distribute colon cancer information packets during March. The campaign will also add the innovation of informational signs posted in bathrooms and emails distributed from participating employers reminding people to "Be There For Your Bucket List." In addition, the state will have tables at farmers markets and grocery stores, where consumers can learn about (and sample) digestion-friendly foods. Current dates and times include:

• Saturday, March 8
  Spence's Bazaar
  10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
  550 S. New St.
  Dover, DE 19904
• Saturday, March 15
  G&E Supermarket
  10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
  30244 Cedar Neck Rd.
  Ocean View, DE 19970
• Saturday, March 29
  Dutch Country Farmer's Market
  10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
  701 N. Broad St.
  Middletown, DE 19709

DPH, a division of DHSS, urges Delawareans to make healthier choices with the 5-2-1 Almost None campaign: eating at least five servings of fruit or vegetables a day, watching no more than two hours of recreational screen time daily, getting one hour of physical activity each day, and drinking almost no sugar-sweetened drinks.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.