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Intermountain Health cancer experts are doubling down on their efforts to raise awareness about colorectal cancer this month in a unique public awareness campaign called Get to the Bottom of Colon Cancer.
Two giant inflatable colonists, nicknamed Colin and Collette, along with Intermountain cancer experts will travel to 23 hospitals, clinics and community centers in Utah and Idaho over 29 days throughout March.
The goal of this interactive campaign is to raise critical awareness about colon cancer and the importance of life-saving screening in a fun, visual and hands-on way, as part of National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.
Intermountain’s Let’s Get to the Bottom of Colon Cancer Inflatable Colon Tour kicked off at Intermountain McKay-Dee Hospital in Ogden on March 1.
This is the second year of this unique public awareness tour, which is a unique opportunity for the public to walk through two 12-foot, 113-pound inflatable dots. They represent different stages of colorectal cancer, starting with the earliest stage of a precancerous colon polyp.
The two giant inflatable colones will continue to tour Utah and Idaho for various events throughout March.
“This tour is an opportunity to raise awareness in our communities to help our patients and their families learn about the importance of knowing their colon cancer risk and then go ahead and complete the best screening test for them,” Nathan Merriman , MD, medical director. said the Intermountain Health gastroenterology and digestive health doctor. “Colon cancer can be prevented, treated and defeated. In fact, colon cancer has a 90% survival rate when detected early.”
The American Cancer Society estimates that more than 53,000 Americans will die from colon cancer in 2024, making it the second leading cause of all cancer-related deaths in the United States.
“An alarming trend is that the incidence rate of colorectal cancer continues to increase each year in people under the age of 55,” said Kyle Eliason, MD, a gastroenterologist at Intermountain McKay Dee Hospital in Ogden. “Young people are also often diagnosed with more advanced cancers due to delays in detection, leading to the conclusion that prevention is the best strategy to beat cancer.”
Merriman emphasizes that the goal is to get the public to take control of their health and better understand that individual risk factors, such as a family history of colorectal cancer, inherited genetic disorders, or certain lifestyle choices, can increase the likelihood that a person develops cancer. colon cancer.
The only way to detect colon cancer is through screening. Intermountain doctors say people with an average risk of colon cancer should start screening at age 45.
A colonoscopy, which is an examination of the inside of the colon, is the most effective method for detecting colon cancer, precancerous growths, and polyps. If an abnormal mass or polyp is identified during the outpatient procedure, the doctor will identify the best treatment, which may include removing it during the procedure.
“Finding and removing precancerous growths during a colonoscopy can prevent cancer from developing,” Merriman said. “Delays in screening could lead to a delay in the diagnosis of cancer. A screening test can truly save a life and protect a family. We need everyone’s help to work together to prevent colon cancer in our communities “.
To see the complete tour of the inflatable colon, click here. For more information about colonoscopies, click here.
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