Story courtesy Georgia Cancer Center
Patrons at Cork & Flame in Evans and Ubora Coffee Roasters in Augusta will notice something unusual at the bar – eye-catching barstools designed to spark conversation about one of Georgia’s most deadly, but also preventable cancers. The original, out-of-place seats are part of Georgia CORE’s “Weird Looking Stools,” a creative statewide campaign using sculptural art to raise awareness about colon cancer screening.
The campaign places bright-colored seats representing colon cancer symptoms – such as blood in the stool, abdominal pain, or changes in bowel shape – in bars and coffee shops. Each barstool has a QR code linking to resources about early detection, screening, and inspirational survivor stories.
“Colon cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in Georgia, and diagnoses among adults under 50 are rising,” said Lynn M. Durham, president and CEO of Georgia CORE, a statewide nonprofit bridging the gap between the cancer research, education, and advocacy communities to improve cancer care for all Georgians. “We teamed up with the ad agency Chemistry who dreamed up the concept and artist Julian Scalia who brought it to life to spark life-saving conversations.”
Dr. Sharad A. Ghamande, Director for Gynecological Oncology at Augusta University and Acting Director of the Georgia Cancer Center, played a key role in bringing the campaign to Augusta. A former Georgia CORE board member, he is also the owner of Cork & Flame, where he hosted a campaign kickoff reception Nov. 13.
“We are happy to be a part of this incredibly creative and unique awareness campaign,” said Ghamande. “Talking about colon health shouldn’t be uncomfortable. When people see something unusual, like these bar stools, a conversation starts. Those conversations can save lives.”
In addition to Cork & Flame, Ubora Coffee Roasters will also have a Weird Looking Stool for a few weeks. Georgia CORE’s goal is to meet people where they are, in restaurants, coffee shops and community spaces to encourage early screening and break down the stigma around colon health.
“Screenings help us catch cancer earlier, when outcomes are dramatically better. Colonoscopies not only find colon cancer early but can remove polyps before they ever become cancer. It’s both prevention and early detection in one,” said Durham.
Current screening guidelines recommend that:
- Everyone should begin screening for colon cancer at age 45.
- High-risk groups including those with a family history should begin screening at age 40.
- Non-invasive options like stool-based tests are available, but colonoscopies remain the gold standard.
Dr. Ghamande noted that while radiation therapy plays a larger role in treating rectal cancers, the best defense for most colon cancers remains prevention and early screening.
“Weird Looking Stools” was launched by Georgia CORE in September and will continue rotating through communities across the state until the end of the year. To learn more about the campaign or find screening resources, visit www.weirdlookingstools.com.
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