Mercy offers events to raise awareness of colorectal cancer
Inflatable Strollin’ Colon serves as educational tool
Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in the U.S. March is designated as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month by the American Cancer Society. To help raise awareness and promote prevention of the disease, Mercy’s Hall-Perrine Cancer Center is offering two upcoming events. Both are free and open to the public.
March 4:
Program: Hereditary Colon Cancer Syndromes – Are You At Risk?
Genetics plays a strong role in the development of colorectal cancer. In fact, the risk of developing colorectal cancer is two to three times greater for those with a first-degree relative. On Tuesday, March 4, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Hall-Perrine Cancer Center, genetic counselor Kate Durda, MS, CGC will lead a discussion and help participants learn more about colon cancer, genetic syndromes, risk factors and testing. To register for the program or for more information, please call (319) 365-4673. Refreshments will be provided.
March 4 & 5:
Interactive display: Walk through the 12’ “Strollin’ Colon”
Mercy is once again bringing an inflatable, interactive replica of a human colon – big enough to walk through – to Cedar Rapids to educate people about the risks, symptoms, prevention, early detection and treatment options for colorectal cancer.
Designed like a tunnel, the 12-foot long by 8-foot high Strollin’ Colon will be on display in the atrium of Mercy’s Hall-Perrine Cancer Center on Tuesday, March 4, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Wednesday, March 5, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Visitors can walk through, at no charge, to get a close-up look at what normal colon tissue looks like, as well as seeing other diseases of the large intestine, colon polyps, and colorectal cancer. Mercy’s Digestive Health Center nurses will lead the tours and answer questions.
The Strollin’ Colon display primarily targets those 50 and older to encourage colorectal screening. Other audiences include those under 50 who are not typically aware of the need for colorectal cancer screening, who have a family history of colorectal cancer, and who have never been screened.
