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Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month Puts Spotlight on Year-Round Effort To Raise Awareness of Preventative Measures in Partnership with American Gastroenterological Association
AUGUSTINE, Fla. (March 6, 2023) – March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month (CRC), which means TeamSLR and its partner, the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA), have stepped up their year-round campaign promoting CRC screenings and other preventative measures.
CRC is the second-deadliest form of cancer in the U.S., with one in 24 people receiving a positive diagnosis in his or her lifetime. TeamSLR owner Scott Lagasse Jr., was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2015, at the seemingly unlikely age of 34. But thanks to his willingness to take quick and definitive action when “something didn’t feel quite right” while training for a triathlon, he is a cancer survivor.
“I’m healthy today because I decided to get a check-up,” said Lagasse, the NASCAR and ARCA Menards Series driving veteran who with his father Scott runs TeamSLR, which competes in the TA2 division of the Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli. “Had I not visited my doctor, I might not be alive today pursuing my passion as a devout husband and father, and running a successful racing organization with my dad.”
Lagasse’s ability to beat cancer prompted him to establish ScreenYourMachine.org, designed to educate people on getting age-appropriate screenings for all types of cancer. ScreenYourMachine.org ensures the most important machine – YOU – runs at peak performance, no matter the mileage. It’s the kind of advocacy championed by this collaboration between TeamSLR and AGA, the trusted voice of the gastroenterology community for 125 years. AGA’s vision is a world free of digestive diseases, including colorectal cancer.
CRC screening is safe and effective, and most people have options, including at-home tests. It’s why Lagasse advocates for screening via his non-profit organization and his race team, encouraging those of average risk to begin their colorectal cancer screenings at age 45. However, those who have a first-degree relative (parent, sibling, offspring) with colorectal cancer have two to three times the risk of developing the disease. They should speak to a doctor about getting screened earlier than normal.
“For me, it’s simple – when people get screened, lives are saved,” Lagasse said. “This knowledge is powerful and life-changing. I didn’t realize how important CRC screening was, but now that I know, I spread the word and try to make a difference in people’s lives. It’s what I’m about. I wouldn’t be racing today if I didn’t catch my cancer early.”
With the ScreenYourMachine.org logo displayed prominently as always on its racing machines, TeamSLR takes to the track twice during CRC Awareness Month for rounds two and three of the 2023 Big Machine Vodka Spiked Coolers TA2 Series – Thursday through Saturday at NOLA Motorsports Park in Avondale, Louisiana, and March 24-26 at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta. The team this season features fulltime drivers Dillon Machavern in the No. 17 Heritage Automotive/Unifirst SLR-M1 Racecars Chevrolet Camaro, and Thad Moffitt in the No. 43 Safety-Kleen Chevrolet Camaro.
“If you’re age 45 or over, it’s time to ‘Screen Your Machine,’ whether you feel anything that’s not quite right or not,” Lagasse said. “The earlier you catch colorectal cancer, the better chance you have to survive and spend time doing what you love.”
About the AGA Institute:
The American Gastroenterological Association is the trusted voice of the GI community. Founded in 1897, the AGA has grown to more than 16,000 members from around the globe who are involved in all aspects of the science, practice and advancement of gastroenterology. The AGA Institute administers the practice, research and educational programs of the organization. For more information, please visit www.gastro.org.
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About TeamSLR:
TeamSLR (Scott Lagasse Racing) competes fulltime in the Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli in a multifaceted effort that includes dedicated entries in the TA2 division, customer programs, driver coaching and car construction. Its history dates back to 1985 and covers a wide spectrum of motorsports, including NASCAR, IMSA, SCCA, ARCA and ASA. TeamSLR is a family-owned organization run by Scott Lagasse Sr., and Scott Lagasse Jr. The father-and-son duo have combined to win more than 120 races and seven championships across a variety of series and styles of racecars, from paved ovals to road courses to dirt tracks. For more information, please visit us online at www.TeamSLR.com, on Facebook, on Twitter, on Instagram and on LinkedIn.
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