Georgia CORE launches "Weird Looking Stools" to spark life-saving conversations around the state

9/19/2025, Georgia CORE

With much anticipation, Georgia CORE has launched “Weird Looking Stools,” a statewide awareness campaign using unexpected art to normalize and prompt life-saving conversations about colon cancer and increase voluntary check-ups. To date, colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in both Georgia and the U.S. By 2030, colon cancer is projected to become the No. 1 cancer killer for people under 50. The incidence of early-onset cases (diagnosed under age 50) is rising, yet many Georgians remain unaware of key symptoms and the importance of screening.

Through Nov. 30, visual artist (pictured on a stool) Julian Scalia’s bold, one-of-a-kind stools, designed to represent real colon cancer symptoms, will be placed in 20 bars and coffee shops across Georgia. Signage near each stool will feature a QR code linking to resources, screening guidelines, and local contacts for screenings.

The stools will depict symptoms such as:

• Blood in stools
• Abdominal pain, anemia, or unexplained weight loss
• Narrow or pencil-thin stools

“If you see a weird stool in your local bar, it’s more than a conversation starter—it’s a reminder to check for symptoms,” said Lynn Durham, President & CEO of Georgia CORE. “Colon cancer is one of the most preventable cancers if caught early. This campaign is about making people stop, look, and take action.”

Here's what Georgians should know:

• In 2023 (the last year for complete available data), there were 757 cases of colorectal cancer for people under the age of 50, and the youngest patient was 9 years old. 
• In 2024, 132 people ages 20 to 49 years died of colorectal cancer.

Here's what Georgians should do:

• Scan the QR code on signage near a Weird Looking Stools when you see one or visit www.weirdlookingstools.com  to learn about symptoms, screening guidelines, and local resources.
• If you’re under 45, watch for symptoms and take action if something feels off.
• If you’re 45 or older, talk to your doctor about getting screened.

Atlanta-based advertising marketing agency Chemistry alongside production arm Test Tube is serving as a creative partner on the campaign with Georgia CORE to bring Weird Looking Stools from concept to reality. From developing the original idea and collaborating with the artist on stool designs to crafting the visual identity and campaign touchpoints, Chemistry’s role has been to ensure the message is not only attention-grabbing, but that it resonates across Georgia’s diverse communities. The agency’s expertise in culturally connected creative work has helped transform the campaign’s core public health message into an accessible, shareable, and unforgettable experience.

Currently the weird stools are in Atlanta, Athens, Valdosta, Macon and Gainesville. If you're a bar or coffee shop owner and would like to host a stool, contact Kristina Forbes kforbes@georgiacore.org.