Ithaca College

Preventable. Treatable. Beatable! Colorectal Cancer: Don’t Die of Embarrassment!

We have the power to prevent diseases and promote health. But did you know that seven individuals are diagnosed with cancer in Tompkins County each week? And that three of these people eventually will die from the disease? (Source: New York State Cancer Registry)

Cancer is the second-leading cause of death in the United States and the number-one cause of death for people between 45 to 85 years of age. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the major forms of cancer that can be detected early, and therefore be easily and successfully treated. Yet it is the only type of cancer for which mortality rates have not decreased, because the rate of screening is significantly lower than other forms of cancer -- nationally, statewide, and in Tompkins County.

American Cancer Society
National Cancer Institute

Ithaca College's Department of Health Promotion and Physical Education and Office of Human Resources, in conjunction with Cornell University's Wellness Center and the American Cancer Society, are launching a semester-long campaign to help employees learn about the disease and its prevention. Informational brochures, workshops, and online materials will be made available throughout the semester. The goal of this activity is to improve employees’ quality of life, reduce health care and benefit costs, and cut unnecessary deaths from colorectal cancer. Please tune in during the next few weeks.

If you are interested in helping in the campaign by completing a short survey, contact Srijana Bajracharya, associate professor, Ithaca College, at sbajracharya@ithaca.edu or by calling 274-3411 for more information.

Your participation in this survey will allow you to enter in a drawing for one of several gifts available. Those interested and who do not have internet access can contact Ithaca College Office of Human Resources at 274-3245 or the Cornell University Wellness Program at 255-3703 for assistance.

Administrators and supervisors, please post this notice in publicly accessible places such as bulletin boards, break rooms, or department bulletin boards for those who do not have access to the internet.