Bayhealth ’80s nostalgia campaign encourages colorectal screenings

To kick off Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in March, Bayhealth launched an attention-getting campaign with a totally ’80s vibe.

The campaign is designed to encourage everyone age 45 and older to schedule an appointment for a colonoscopy – and to make colorectal cancer history.

Knowing that many avoid their screenings because they don’t think they’re necessary, or they have misconceptions about prep and the screening, Bayhealth will feature several articles, social media posts and videos from experts. “Everyone age 45 and older needs to be screened,” said Assar Rather, MD, FASC, Bayhealth colorectal surgeon. “It’s important to understand we aren’t screening for colorectal cancer; we’re screening to prevent it. We’re looking for small polyps or growths that could eventually become cancerous.”

Bayhealth’s team of experts offers personalized care for prevention and early detection of colorectal cancer. Bayhealth Cancer Center Kent Campus is among fewer than 50 programs in the nation – and the first in Delaware – with recognition from the National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer for providing the most advanced specialty care available.

Like Bayhealth’s successful Go Pink campaign, which raises funds annually for breast cancer screenings through T-shirt sales, this campaign has a T-shirt fundraising component. Proceeds will benefit the Bayhealth Cancer Center and help fund colorectal screenings for the underserved population in area communities.

The T-shirt features an ’80s theme complete with neon colors and an epic road trip mixtape cassette. They're great for those who appreciate the nostalgia as well as those who just want to support a good cause and remind their loved ones to get screened.

To ease the minds of those scheduling their colonoscopies, Bayhealth has made it easy to access an ’80s hits playlist on the website. If people danced at their proms to any of the songs from the playlist, it’s likely time to get a colonoscopy.

There are options for testing and colonoscopy prep, and this preventative procedure could save many lives. Colonoscopies are done by a gastroenterologist, general surgeon or colorectal surgeon and can be scheduled through Bayhealth. For help scheduling a screening, call 302-744-6098. Bayhealth’s Colorectal Cancer Screening Nurse Navigator Judy Giddens, LPN, will provide personalized guidance and assistance in taking the next steps to set up a screening.

To purchase a T-shirt in support of colorectal cancer awareness, go to Bayhealth.org/Get-Screened.