Phoebe Cancer Center Doctor Helps Bring Creative Colon Cancer Awareness Campaign to Albany

Albany, GA | November 7, 2025 – Diners at Harvest Moon in Albany will notice something unusual next week, uniquely designed barstools sparking conversation about one of Georgia’s most preventable cancers. The eye-catching seat is part of the Georgia Center for Oncology Research & Education (CORE) “Weird Looking Stools” campaign, a creative statewide initiative using sculptural art to raise awareness about colon cancer screening.

The campaign places stools representing colon cancer symptoms, such as narrow shapes or bright red hues, in bars and coffee shops. Each barstool includes QR codes linking to resources about early detection, screening, and survivor stories.

Dr. Adam Jones, a Radiation Oncologist with Radiation Oncology Associates and the Phoebe Cancer Center, is a Georgia CORE board member, and he played a key role in bringing the campaign to Albany.

“When I saw this campaign was coming to Georgia, I immediately wanted to make sure Albany was part of it. Harvest Moon is one of those great community gathering spots where conversations happen amongst friends and family, and it’s the perfect place to start talking about colon health,” said Dr. Jones.

The barstools will be displayed at Harvest Moon from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, November 11 and are expected to rotate among several Southwest Georgia venues in the coming weeks.

Colon cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in Georgia, and diagnoses among adults under 50 are rising. 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 find 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 Jones.

The current screening guidelines now recommend that:

• Everyone should begin screening for colon cancer at age 45.
• High-risk groups including those with a family history or African Americans should begin screening at age 40.
• Non-invasive options like stool-based tests are available, while colonoscopy remains the gold standard.

“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,” said Jones.

Dr. Jones also 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.

The “Weird Looking Stools” initiative was launched by Georgia CORE in September to raise awareness about colorectal cancer among younger adults. Artist Julian Scalia designed stools representing common symptoms such as blood in stool, abdominal pain, or changes in bowel shape. The stools have appeared in 20 bars and coffee shops across Georgia so far and will continue rotating through communities until the end of the year. To learn more or find screening resources, visit www.weirdlookingstools.com.