‘Incredible Colon’ to march across the state in Colon Cancer Awareness Month; more than a dozen stops scheduled

A special tour throughout the state of the Incredible Colon — an inflatable model of a human colon, large enough for visitors to walk through it — will promote education about risks and preventive measures of colon cancer during March, National Colon Cancer Awareness Month.

Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer mortality in Kentucky and nationwide, and it affects men and women of all ethnicities. Kentuckians have a higher than average risk of colon cancer due to higher rates of obesity, diets high in fat, and lack of regular exercise.

As many as 60 percent of deaths from colorectal cancer could be prevented if everyone age 50 and older were screened regularly, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Screenings detect any abnormalities or early signs of cancer, like polyps in the colon, and when detected early, polyps can be easily removed during a colonoscopy before they develop into cancer. When colon cancer is found early and treated, the five-year relative survival rate is 90 percent, underscoring the need for preventive health exams.

However, only 63 percent of Kentuckians who should have screening tests have had them, according to Kentucky data from the federal Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, an ongoing national survey.

The colon tour is a coordinated promotion by the Kentucky Cancer Program, local cancer councils and the Kentucky Colon Cancer Prevention Project. It is free and open to the public and will take place in 13 Kentucky communities March 4-28:

• March 4: Fleming County Hospital, Flemingsburg (10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.)

• March 5: Walmart, Manchester (Noon – 4 p.m.)

• March 6: Hazard ARH Medical Mall, Hazard (10 a.m. – 3 p.m.)

• March 7: Rowan County Chamber of Commerce, Morehead (members
  only, 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.)

• March 8: Frankfort Regional Hospital, Frankfort (9 a.m. – 4 p.m.)

• March 19: Lexmark, Lexington, (Employees only, 8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.)

• March 20: Lawrence County High School, Louisa (8 a.m. – 5 p.m.)

• March 21: Lady of Bellefonte Health Center, Grayson (10 a.m. – 2 p.m.)

• March 23: Phillip Sharp Middle School, Butler (8-11 a.m. )

• March 25: Town Center Mall, Ashland (10 a.m. – 3 p.m.)

• March 26: Walmart, Georgetown (3-6 p.m.)

• March 27: Adron Doran University Center, Morehead (9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.)

• March 28: Walmart, Somerset (10 a.m. – 2 p.m.)

Attendees are invited to dress in blue, the color of colon cancer awareness, and there will be door prizes, giveaways (while supplies last), refreshments and educational information about colon cancer screening, prevention and early detection. (Read more)