The community is invited to join Schneck Medical Center to reflect upon and remember loved ones who have battled colorectal cancer during the Schneck Sparks of Strength ceremony.

During this special moment of silence, participants will receive a blue tea light — the color representing colorectal cancer awareness — to honor those who have been touched by this cancer and remember those lost to it. Participants can then “pass the torch on” and encourage others to get a colonoscopy.

The ceremony will be at noon March 6 in the endoscopy lobby inside the main entrance to the Seymour hospital. March 6 also is National Dress in Blue Day, so attendees are encouraged to wear blue attire.

Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, but 90% of the cases are curable if caught early. Colorectal cancer screening can find polyps so they can removed before they turn into cancer.

During Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, Schneck encourages the community to get screened. If you are age 50 or over or have risk factors, including smoking, obesity, physical inactivity and heavy alcohol use, talk to your doctor about a colonoscopy.

While a colonoscopy is the best way to check for and prevent colon cancer, Schneck is providing free coloCARE kits to test for hidden blood in the stool, a possible sign of colorectal cancer. Those kits are available at Schneck Primary Care in Seymour and Brownstown, Schneck Professional Building and Schneck Endoscopy Center in Seymour and Schneck Family Care in North Vernon, Scottsburg and Salem.