Schneck Medical Center plans to kick off Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in a unique way. Stephanie L. Furlow, the Seymour hospital’s Director of Marketing, says that Schneck will have a giant inflatable colon. She explains that the inflatable device is meant to be walked through and will be on exhibit March 1-4, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., near the Patient Entrance just off of Brown Street.
Furlow says that the 20-foot long colon will show visitors what normal colon tissue looks like compared to advanced colon cancer. The says it will also show what a polyp looks like and how it can become malignant, as well as other diseases that can affect the colon. Furlow notes that the colon exhibit has been displayed around the country to raise awareness about colon issues.
In addition to the inflatable colon, Furlow says that blue hair will be the norm around Schneck throughout the month of March. She says that you are invited to come to the Schneck Endoscopy Center on March 1, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., to get blue hair extensions for $10 each. Furlow explains that Simply Chic Beauty Salon professionals will be donating their time and profits from the event to the Schneck Foundation.
Colorectal cancer, the combined name for colon and rectal cancers, is the third most common cancer in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society (ACA). An estimated 136,000 new cases will be diagnosed this year. Despite these numbers, the ACA says that fewer than half of people who should be screened are doing so.
“You should get your first colonoscopy at the age of 50. Depending on your personal family medical history and risks, you may need to be screened even earlier,” said Sally Acton, Director of Cancer and Palliative Care Services at Schneck. “Talk to your family doctor about how often you should be screened.”
If you are aged 50-85 and would like more information to help you measure your colorectal cancer risk, take the National Cancer Institute’s Colorectal Assessment Tool at www.cancer.gov/colorectalcancerrisk, and discuss your results with your healthcare provider.