Estimated reading time: 4-5 minutes
Cancer experts at Intermountain Health are doubling down on colon cancer awareness this month.
Two giant inflatable colons — nicknamed Colin and Colette — are traveling with Intermountain Cancer Specialists to 23 hospitals, clinics and community centers in Utah and Idaho over 29 days in March.
This interactive campaign aims to bring critical awareness of colon cancer and potentially life-saving screenings in a fun, visual and hands-on way as part of National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.
Intermount’s Let’s Walk Under Colon Cancer Tour of the Breathing Colon kicked off March 1 at Intermount McKay-D Hospital in Ogden.
This is the second year for this unique public awareness tour, a unique opportunity for the public to walk in 12-foot, 113-pound inflatable colons. They show different stages of colorectal cancer, starting with the first stage of precancerous colon polyps.
The two giant inflatable colones will continue to cross Utah and Idaho for various events in March.
“This visit is an opportunity to spread awareness in our community to help our patients and their families know their colon cancer risk and the importance of completing the best screening for them,” said Nathan Merriman, medical director. Gastroenterology and Digestive Health is available at Intermountain Health. “Colon cancer is preventable, treatable and beatable. In fact, colon cancer has a 90% chance of survival when detected early.”
The American Cancer Society estimates that more than 53,000 Americans will die of colon cancer by 2024, making it the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States.
“An alarming trend is that the incidence of colorectal cancer in people under the age of 55 continues to increase every year,” said Kyle Eliason, MD, a gastroenterologist at Intermountain McKay Dee Hospital. “Young people often get advanced cancers because of delays in diagnosis, driving home the point that prevention is the best strategy to beat cancer.”
Merriman emphasized that the goal is to help the public take control of their health and better understand individual risk factors, such as a family history of colorectal cancer, genetic disorders, or certain lifestyle habits that may increase a person’s chance of developing it. Colon cancer.
Screening is the only way to detect colon cancer. According to Intermountain Doctors, the average person at risk for colon cancer should start screening at age 45.
Colonoscopy is the most effective colon cancer test to detect 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 method, which includes removing it during the procedure.
“Finding and removing precancerous growths during colonoscopy can prevent the development of cancer,” Merriman said. “Delayed diagnosis leads to delayed diagnosis of cancer. Screening can truly save lives and protect families. We need everyone’s help to prevent colon cancer in our community.”
For a full tour of the breathable colon, click here over here. Click here for more information about colonoscopies over here.
The opinions and conclusions expressed in this article are those of the sponsor and do not reflect the views or opinions of KSL.com. This site does not provide medical advice. Any content on this website, such as text, graphics, images, found information or information on this website is for informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always ask your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have about a health condition. Don’t ignore or delay seeking professional advice because of what you read on this site! The owner and operator of this site do not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions or other information that may be mentioned on the site. Any information provided by the Operator, including its employees, contractors or others appearing on the Site at the Operator’s invitation or other visitors to the Site, is solely at your own risk. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 right away.