Hospital raises cancer awareness with giant inflatable colon
Colon cancer is the second deadliest type of cancer in the country, killing about 50,000 people a year, with 150,000 new people diagnosed annually.
Eisenhower Medical Center is hosting the 13th Annual Community Cancer Awareness Day at Lucy Curci Cancer Center on Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon.
Organizers have set up an interactive exhibit featuring a giant inflatable colon that will educate visitors on colorectal cancer prevention and early detection. The exhibit will be on display from 9 to 10 a.m.
“There are 150,000 new cases of colon cancer every year,” says Dr. Scott Gering, a clorectal surgeon. “That’s 150,000 cases that probably could have been prevented. Colonoscopy screening detects polyps in the colon that turn into colon cancer. If you take the polyp out, you can prevent cancer from developing.”
One of the ways to help prevent colon cancer is having a good diet.
“High fiber diets have also been linked to decreasing the risk of colon cancer so that the toxins that are in your colon don’t cause the genetic damage and more through your system,” said Dr. Gering.
The event is free and open to the public, but reservations are required. To make a reservation, call 760-834-3798 by Friday.
