Blue Star

What is the Blue Star Healthy Colon Initiative?

Funded by the OSU Community Access to Resources and Educational Services (CARES), the Blue Star Healthy Colon Initiative is a collaborative effort of the OSU Comprehensive Cancer Center (OSUCCC), Appalachia Community Cancer Network (ACCN) OSU Extension Meigs County, and the Meigs County Cancer Initiative (MCCI). The initiative targets rural Appalachian Meigs County residents in an effort to raise awareness and increase colon cancer screening rates.

The Blue Star Healthy Colon Initiative will help residents to make informed decisions to improve their health and reduce their risk for colon cancer through research-based information and educational programs. Between August 2013 and June 2014, an inflatable walk-through colon (Super Colon) will be exhibited at two community events. Guided tours are rovided by MCCI members, community volunteers, and OSU students. In addition to the Super Colon display, personalized wellness plans will are also provided to those at risk for colon cancer. Information regarding local colon cancer screening resources and healthy lifestyle programs are given to those visit the display.

Group Picture Colon Entrance 2

Why Meigs County?

Although colon cancer screening is recommended for everyone ages 50 and over, less than 42% of Meigs County residents (age 50 and over) have been screened in the last five years. The occurrence of colorectal cancer in Meigs County is 17.6% higher than that for Ohio, and death from colorectal cancer in Meigs County is 35% higher than Ohio. The collaborative effort of the Blue Star Healthy Colon Initiative will raise awareness about the burden of colon cancer, provide education on prevention and early detection of colon cancer, develop personalized wellness plans for residents at risk for colon cancer and encourage participation in OSU Extension classes to help residents adopt a healthy lifestyle.

Learn more about Screening.

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