Leidos Field Ripken Stadium Glows Blue for Colon Cancer Awareness

The blue glow coming from Leidos Field at Ripken Stadium during March, which is Colon Cancer Awareness Month, has had an important purpose - increasing the community's awareness about colon cancer, which is one of the most treatable, beatable cancers when detected early.

Landmarks, buildings and health systems around the region joined the BLUE FOR COLORECTAL CANCER (#MDBlueforCRC) initiative which has been led by the American Cancer Society and ACS CAN (American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network) to highlight the need to return to colorectal cancer screening after the pandemic caused a dramatic drop in cancer screenings. Due to COVID-19, colonoscopies declined nearly 90% in April 2020 from the previous year, which could result in an additional 4,500 deaths from colorectal cancer in the next 10 years.

As part of the Colon Cancer Coalition's nationwide #BlueForCRC, Leidos Field at Ripken Stadium and the Aberdeen IronBirds joined many prominent Baltimore and Annapolis area locations that went blue during March, including University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Medical Center, MedStar Franklin Square Hospital, Patterson Park Pagoda, Baltimore City Hall Dome, Baltimore Center Stage, CareFirst Building Canton, Horseshoe Casino and the World Trade Center. (See entire list below.)

Colorectal cancer is the 2nd leading cause of cancer deaths for men and women combined in the US but is also one of the few cancers that can be prevented through timely screening and removal of pre-cancerous polyps. For those reluctant to leave home for a screening colonoscopy due the pandemic, there are at-home options. Talk with your doctor.

In 2021, an estimated 149,500 cases of colorectal cancer will be diagnosed in the US, and about 52,980 people will die from these cancers, and in Maryland an estimated 2,550 cases of colorectal cancer will be diagnosed and about 1,050 colorectal cancer deaths will occur. Black Americans have the highest colorectal cancer incidence and mortality rates of all racial groups in the US. Reasons for racial/ethnic disparities in colorectal cancer are complex, but largely reflect differences in risk factor prevalence and health care access, both of which are related to socioeconomic status.

• The American Cancer Society recommends that screening begin at age 45 for adults with average risk; USPSTF recent draft recommendations recently matched this age.
• Screening may begin earlier if you have a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps.
• Colorectal cancer is increasing among younger adults; one in five colorectal cancer patients are ages 20-55.

Risk Factors: Based on an ACS study, more than half (55%) of colorectal cancers in the U.S. are attributable to potentially modifiable risk factors. Modifiable factors that increase risk include obesity, physical inactivity, long-term smoking, high consumption of red or processed meat, low calcium intake, moderate to heavy alcohol consumption, and very low intake of fruits and vegetables and whole-grain fiber. Colorectal cancer risk factors that are not modifiable include a personal or family history of colorectal cancer.

For more information or for help finding the nearest screening options, see www.cancer.org/colon or call 1-800-227-2345.

Go Blue Baltimore/Annapolis area locations that went blue this March:
Ascension St. Agnes Hospital, Baltimore Center Stage, Baltimore City Hall Dome, Baltimore Fire Officers Local 964, Baltimore Fire Fighters Local 734, Bromo Seltzer Tower, Greater Baltimore Medical Center, Governor’s Mansion, Horseshoe Casino, Medstar Franklin Square Hospital, Medstar Good Samaritan Hospital, Medstar Union Memorial Hospital, Leidos Field at Ripken Stadium, Patterson Park Pagoda, University of Maryland Baltimore Washington Medical Center, University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland Harford Memorial Hospital, University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Medical Center, University of Maryland St Joseph Medical Center, and the World Trade Center Baltimore.

About the American Cancer Society: The American Cancer Society is a global grassroots force of nearly 1.5 million volunteers dedicated to saving lives, celebrating lives, and leading the fight for a world without cancer. From breakthrough research, to free lodging near treatment, a 24/7/365 live helpline, free rides to treatment, and convening powerful activists to create awareness and impact, the Society is the only organization attacking cancer from every angle. For more information go to www.cancer.org.

###