Georgia's 'Weird Looking Stools' Campaign Tackles Colon Cancer Stigma
Georgia is tackling its second deadliest cancer with a unique, eye-catching campaign. The Georgia Center for Oncology Research and Education (Georgia CORE) has launched 'Weird Looking Stools' to encourage earlier conversations and screenings for colon cancer.
Colon cancer is the only preventable cancer, with screenings like colonoscopies able to detect and remove polyps before they become cancerous. However, stigma and embarrassment often lead people to delay or avoid these life-saving procedures, even though they're covered by insurance for adults aged 45 to 75. Georgia CORE aims to break down these barriers with its innovative campaign.
The 'Weird Looking Stools' campaign features 30 artist-designed bar stools, each representing a real symptom of colon cancer. These intentionally strange and eye-catching pieces are placed in bars, coffee shops, and public spaces across Atlanta and beyond. Each stool is paired with a QR code linking to screening resources. The campaign aims to reach underserved and rural communities, making colon cancer awareness impossible to ignore and saving lives through earlier detection.
African Americans face higher incidence and mortality rates of colon cancer than other groups due to barriers in access, screening rates, and socioeconomic factors. The campaign is a step towards addressing these disparities. Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in Georgia, with rates higher than the national average. Cases among people under 50 are rising fast and are projected to become the leading cause of cancer deaths for that age group by 2030.
The 'Weird Looking Stools' campaign is a creative approach to raise awareness about colon cancer and encourage earlier screenings. By reaching underserved communities and breaking down barriers, Georgia CORE is working to reduce colon cancer's impact in the state.
