The Evening News and the Tribune, Jeffersonville, Ind.
The City of Jeffersonville has bathed its City Hall in blue light this month to remind everyone this is National Colon Cancer Awareness month and to remember a much-respected firefighter lost too soon.
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States, behind only lung cancer. The National Cancer Institute estimates that 152,810 people in the United States received a diagnosis of colon or rectal cancer in 2024, and approximately 53,010 died of it.
In February 2022 the city lost Jeffersonville Fire Department Deputy Chief Bruce DeArk to colon cancer. DeArk was diagnosed with stage four colon cancer at 49 years old.
“This March, City Hall is shining blue in honor of Colon Cancer Awareness Month,” a Facebook posting said.
“We’re remembering Jeffersonville Fire Dept. Deputy Chief Bruce DeArk, who passed away in 2022 after a courageous four-year battle with colon cancer.
“Colon cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death in the U.S., but early detection can save lives. Screening is the best way to prevent colon cancer or catch it early when it’s easier to treat. Most people should begin screening at age 45, but those with higher risk may need to start earlier.
“Talk to your doctor to learn when to start screening and how to protect your health.”
In talking about City Hall bathed in blue this month, Mayor Mike said, “Bruce DeArk was much more than a dedicated deputy fire chief. I considered him one of my closest friends. He gave his life to the city of Jeffersonville.”
At the time of DeArk’s passing Moore told the News and Tribune that ““I think probably the most significant thing I can say with Bruce that jumps out is he was a very strong advocate for cancer awareness. A lot of firefighters contract cancer in their line of duty work. He was an advocate for speaking up for awareness, for safety concerns.”
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