As part of my new job at the Prevent Cancer Foundation, I found myself introducing visitors to the Prevent Cancer Super Colon™ at the 5k Walk/Run on September 21. For weeks, colleagues had tried to explain the exhibit to me, but their descriptions didn’t do it justice.
This giant traveling display helps demystify colorectal cancer, emphasizing that it is preventable, treatable and beatable. The Prevent Cancer Super Colon is a great educational tool for people of all ages. While staffing the exhibit, I saw firsthand how it raises awareness about colorectal cancer prevention and early detection.
One visitor shared a story that emphasized the importance of knowing your family medical history. She was no stranger to colorectal cancer; her mother and sister had both been diagnosed with it. I was touched by her story and that she said that she had visited the exhibit multiple times.
A colorectal cancer survivor who was diagnosed at age 25 visited the exhibit with his two-year-old daughter. After seeing his father die from colorectal cancer in his forties, he is committed to having his children screened beginning at age 15 (10 years before his own diagnosis). Although screening is recommended for people at average risk starting at age 50, family history may require some people to be screened much earlier.
The Prevent Cancer Super Colon exhibit is an example of the direct impact of health education at the Prevent Cancer 5k. Overall, my experience with the Prevent Cancer Super Colon left me inspired and excited about the people that I will meet while working and traveling with the exhibit.
Have an upcoming health fair or event? Request a Prevent Cancer Super Colon stop in your community or a community near you.
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