HURON — Huron Regional Medical Center is extending a program which encourages the community to “Go Blue — Get Screened to Win” to raise awareness of and early detection of colorectal cancer. The effort began in March but was put on hold due to the pandemic.

According to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance (CCA), colorectal cancer (cancer that starts in the colon or rectum) is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death in men and women combined in the United States.

Colon cancer is one of only two cancers that can actually be prevented through screening. It almost always starts with a polyp — a small growth on the lining of the colon or rectum. A colonoscopy can find polyps and your doctor can remove them before they become cancerous.

Even though colorectal cancer is highly treatable when discovered early, many people are hesitant to have the screening procedure. According to CCA, all adults should be screened at age 45 or earlier if you are at higher risk for colorectal cancer. And if you have a family history of colon cancer, you may need to get tested earlier than age 45.

To help encourage area residents to get a screening colonoscopy, the hospital has partnered with the HRMC Foundation Bob Myers Memorial Fund to create “Go Blue — Get Screened to Win!” This promotion, which has been extended through Dec. 31, invites area residents to make the call and schedule a colonoscopy for a chance to win either an entertainment package (valued at up to $150) or a dinner for two (valued up to $50). The actual colonoscopy procedure must take place at HRMC before June 30.

Physicians who perform colonoscopy at HRMC include:
• Dr. Mark Belyea, family medicine physician at HRMC Physicians Clinic
• Dr. Richard Ellison, general surgeon at HRMC Physicians Clinic
• Dr. Cy Haatvedt, general surgeon at Tschetter and Hohm Clinic
• Dr. Anthony Loewen, general surgeon at New Life Clinic

More information about the Go Blue promotion is available online at www.huronregional.org/GoBlue.