FRIDAY HARBOR, Wash. – PeaceHealth Peace Island Medical Center is “going blue” this March in recognition of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, highlighting the lifesaving importance of colon cancer screening and encouraging the community to take action against one of the nation’s most preventable cancers.
Throughout March, visitors to PeaceHealth Peace Island will see blue ribbons and awareness displays across the campus, as well as an information table with giveaways in the lobby. The visual campaign is designed to honor patients and survivors while reminding adults—especially those 45 and older—that colorectal cancer screening is one of the most effective tools for early detection and prevention.
“Our whole team is energized,” said Theresa Loya, director of clinical services at Peace Island. “We even wrote a song for the occasion—with the help of AI. It’s a fun way to spark conversations about a very serious topic.”
Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer (excluding skin cancers) and the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States. While it can occur at any age, risk increases significantly after 45. Screening colonoscopies reduce the risk of developing colon cancer by up to 69 percent and lower the risk of dying from it by up to 88 percent.
“Colonoscopy is unique because it doesn’t just find cancer early—it can actually prevent cancer from developing in the first place,” said Allison Robinson, MD, a visiting PeaceHealth colorectal surgeon who provides colonoscopies at Peace Island regularly. “When we remove small polyps before they turn into cancer, we’re giving patients a powerful head start on protecting their long‑term health.”
Lifestyle choices—such as eating a fiber‑rich diet, staying active and limiting alcohol and tobacco—can help reduce risk. But some factors, including age, family history and inflammatory bowel disease, cannot be changed. That’s why national guidelines recommend screening beginning at age 45 for most adults, and earlier for those with risk factors.
“People sometimes worry about the preparation or the procedure itself,” Dr. Robinson added. “But most patients tell us afterward that the peace of mind is absolutely worth it. A few hours of inconvenience can translate into years of better health.”
Several types of colorectal cancer screening tests are available. At-home stool‑based tests can detect cancer or large polyps after they form, but a positive result requires follow‑up with a colonoscopy. A screening colonoscopy allows physicians to find and remove precancerous polyps during the same procedure—long before they become dangerous.
Operating Room nurse Ronnie Metcalfe, RN, recently attended a national GI conference and came back inspired to launch the monthlong campaign, Loya said. A major theme of the event was the alarming rise of colon cancer in younger adults. “Ronnie was inspired and determined to help us spread the word,” Loya said.
At PeaceHealth Peace Island, Dr. Robinson and other visiting specialists typically offer colonoscopies every other Tuesday and Wednesday, making it easier for island residents to receive comprehensive screening close to home.
As the hospital goes blue this month, PeaceHealth Peace Island encourages community members to talk with their doctor about which screening option is right for them—and whether it’s time to schedule a colonoscopy.