“A great ass is a terrible thing to waste.” So goes the MO for Worldclass Clothing, a fashion brand founded by local Brooks Bell and LA-based Sarah Beran that aims to get people talking about colon health through badass apparel. Think quirky “ass”-emblazoned hats and T-shirts.
Despite the fact that colon cancer is expected to be the deadliest cancer for people under 50 by 2030, when Beran and Bell went to their doctors with concerns, cancer wasn’t even on their radar. Though the pair hadn’t met yet, they shared strikingly similar experiences. Both women were in their 30s when symptoms started. Both women knew something was up, even if their doctors didn’t. And both trusted their instincts, pushed for a colonoscopy—and were right.
Fast-forward, and after overcoming late-stage colon cancer, both knew they wanted to change the status quo. “The stigma is ridiculous,” says Beran. “I want it to feel like just another part of your wellness routine.”
When Beran read about Bell’s iconic feat of spurring Ryan Reynolds to get a colonoscopy, she slid into her DMs. Their connection had a creative spark from the jump—and with Beran’s background in fashion and Bell’s in entrepreneurship, Worldclass was born.
From the signature sweatshirt to the “Colonoscopy Enthusiast” tote, the garb puts the “ass” in class—and has a swag that sets it apart from the typical cancer brand. Beyond plush and punchy, Worldclass partners with LA factories and North Carolina manufacturers to develop the finest 100% cotton sweatshirts. Buys also benefit the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center and help boost access to colonoscopies for the underinsured in Western NC.
But for this benevolent duo, the mission goes beyond raising funds—they want the conversation around colonoscopies to feel easy, like slipping on your favorite sweatshirt. Hence, every double-take or compliment is the chance to recruit a new colonoscopy enthusiast.
Which is precisely what Beran and Bell hoped—because most people don’t know colonoscopies prevent cancer by removing precancerous polyps. “It’s not just looking for precancer,” shares Bell. “It gets rid of it.” So, here’s to normalizing colonoscopies and celebrating your Worldclass ass (!). worldclassclothing.com
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and a new locally available blood test makes it easier than ever to go get screened—no but(t)s about it.
Now that you’ve set your clocks forward for daylight saving time, donned your St. Patty’s Day green and had your March Madness bracket busted, there’s only one more item to check off this month’s to-do list: Get screened for colon cancer. That’s right—March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, aka your annual reminder to schedule that colonoscopy starting at age 45 for those with average risk for the disease.
If reading that last sentence immediately filled you with dread (sorry!), we have some good news. Although a colonoscopy is still considered the most effective way to screen for colon cancer, there are several other options designed for people who may be inclined to skip this critical check due to fear, affordability or another reason—because the most important thing is to get screened, no matter which method you choose. When caught early, colon cancer remains one of the most treatable forms of cancer.
One of those options is the first-of-its-kind Colorectal Cancer Screening Blood Test, which is available exclusively at Any Lab Test Now, a leader in providing direct access to lab testing services with convenient locations in Raleigh, Cary and Durham. Fast, easy and, frankly, way less gross than a fecal-based exam, the groundbreaking test helps fill a void in the prevention and early detection of this deadly disease.
“Our Colorectal Cancer Screening Blood Test is a game changer,” says Glory Gallucci, the owner of Any Lab Test Now’s three Triangle-area locations. “It’s very effective with no nasty prep, no going under anesthesia; just a simple blood draw from the arm is all that’s needed.” And, at only $379, it’s practically a steal compared to many of the other commercially available noninvasive screening tests.
The test works by scanning for three protein markers in the blood that are highly associated with the presence of colorectal cancer. The entire process only takes about 15 minutes, and you can call and make an appointment online or simply walk in. “You get results back in 10 days, and we encourage you to share those results with a medical provider,” Gallucci explains.
As the rate of colorectal cancer in people younger than 50 continues to rise—take the late Black Panther actor Chadwick Boseman, who was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer at age 39 and tragically passed away at 43—the experts at Any Lab Test Now urge folks to take control of their health by getting screened.
“This test holds special meaning to our team since we lost a colleague a few years ago to colon cancer,” Gallucci shares. “She was only 46 years old when she was diagnosed. While a colonoscopy is still the gold standard, this test can provide answers that may confirm the need for further testing.” Go ahead, check that box before the month is over—it could save your life.
