The community is invited to join Schneck Medical Center at 10 a.m. March 3 to reflect upon and remember loved ones who have battled colorectal cancer during the Sparks of Strength ceremony.

The event will be in the main lobby, just inside the patient entrance of the Seymour hospital at 411 W. Tipton St.

March 3 also is National Dress in Blue Day, and attendees are encouraged to wear blue to promote colorectal cancer awareness, screening and prevention. Participants can learn how to schedule a screening colonoscopy or obtain other forms of screening, including Cologuard and Colocare, and may sign up for a drawing to win a gift basket.

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 the disease. Participants can then “pass the torch on” and encourage another person to get a screening colonoscopy.

Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, but 90% of colorectal cancer cases are curable if caught early. Thanks to colorectal cancer screening, polyps can be found and removed before they turn into cancer. Colorectal cancer also can be found earlier when it is easier to cure.

If you are age 45 or over or have risk factors, including smoking, obesity, physical inactivity and heavy alcohol use, talk to your physician about a colonoscopy.