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Commissioners adopt colon cancer awareness resolution; regional cancer institute urges screening
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Summary
Pike County commissioners adopted Resolution No. 26-06 declaring March 2026 Colon Cancer Awareness Month and heard a presentation from Karen Saunders of the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute stressing earlier screening and alternative tests.
The Pike County Board of Commissioners voted on March 18 to adopt Resolution No. 26-06 designating March 2026 as Colon Cancer Awareness Month and March 26 as Casual Day in Pike County.
Crystal read the resolution text into the record before the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. The resolution cites regional incidence and urges residents to be screened for early detection.
Karen Saunders, president of the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute, spoke to the board and emphasized that screening recommendations have shifted to younger ages and that colorectal cancer incidence is increasing among younger adults. "The age for which those people at average risk should be screened is 45 to 50," Saunders said, noting that earlier detection is central to successful treatment.
A resident asked whether screening at age 45 would be covered by insurance. Saunders advised consulting a family physician: "I'm not a clinician, but you raise a very important question... it probably depends on the insurance. If there is a family history, a person can be screened generally 10 years before the age of that person in your family, and it should be covered." She also noted alternatives to colonoscopy, including FIT and Cologuard tests, as less-invasive options that may be used as starting points for screening.
The board adopted the proclamation to support awareness efforts and encouraged residents to participate in screening and local awareness activities on Casual Day, March 26.
The resolution number is 26-06.
