West Virginia Press Association
Charleston, West Virginia — March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in the United States.
Colorectal cancer, which affects both men and women, is often preventable with regular screening and early detection. This month, health professionals, advocacy groups and individuals are coming together to encourage regular screenings, highlight the importance of lifestyle choices in prevention and share life-saving information about the disease.
The CAMC Foundation will host a Colorectal Cancer Awareness event March 27, from 5:30 – 7 p.m., at the CAMC Cancer Center, 3415 MacCorkle Ave. SE.
The event includes:
- Free screening kits for first 50 attendees*
- Give Aways
- Cancer care information from CAMC, CAMC Cancer Center, CAMC
- Gastroenterology, Vandalia Health Network, and CAMC Foundation
- Walk through 12ft tall inflatable colon
*Who is eligible for test kit? Anyone over the age of 45 who has not had a colon screening in the past year, and who has not had any colon cancer symptoms.
This event is provided in part by the generous sponsors and participants of the CAMC Foundation Run for Your Life. Every summer, the CAMC Foundation Run for Your Life, a 5 Mile Run/2.5 Mile Walk, is held to raise all important funds to support awareness and screening initiatives for colorectal cancer. The 2025 Run for Your Life is scheduled for June 7, in downtown Charleston. To learn more, visit www.camcfoundation.org.
Colorectal Cancer: The Facts
Colorectal cancer, which includes cancers of the colon and rectum, is the third most common cancer in the U.S. In 2025, it’s expected that over 150,000 people will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Early-stage colorectal cancer often shows no symptoms, making regular screenings essential for detection. When found early, the five-year survival rate is more than 90%.
How You Can Help
- Get Screened: If you’re over 45 or have a family history, speak with your healthcare provider about screening options.
- Spread the Word: Share facts about colorectal cancer prevention, symptoms, and screenings on social media using the hashtag #ColorectalCancerAwarenessMonth.
- Donate: Contribute to the CAMC Foundation to help education and support for colorectal cancer patients.
Contact: R. Bryan Cummings, President CAMC Foundation at 304-388-9866 or email [email protected] for more information.
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About CAMC Foundation
The CAMC Foundation is the fundraising organization for the CAMC Health System. The foundation works with donors to secure current and future financial support that helps improve the health of the people in West Virginia. In 2024, the foundation provided more than $6.5 million in grants to support patients, families, CAMC employees, and programs and services at CAMC. Funding was awarded to nursing student educational assistance, CAMC Institute of Academic Medicine, CAMC Center for Learning and Research, along with support of infants and children, new technology, adult and pediatric cancer care, and many more. For more information, visit camcfoundation.org.
About Vandalia Health
Vandalia Health, headquartered in Charleston, is a multi-state health system with locations across West Virginia as well as in Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia. Made up of CAMC Health System, Davis Health System and Mon Health System, Vandalia Health has 17 hospitals, over 220 ambulatory locations, more than 13,000 employees and more than 2,000 doctors and advanced practice providers. For more information or a map of locations visit vandaliahealth.org.
