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Colon Cancer Awareness activities planned for March



Western Baptist Hospital is observing National Colon Cancer Awareness Month with several activities in March:

  • The Incredible Colon community exhibit will be displayed from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, March 3, in the atrium of Doctors Office Building 2. The Incredible Colon is a giant, inflatable, interactive and educational exhibit that provides visitors with an opportunity to learn about colon cancer, including risks, prevention, early detection and treatment. A walk through the 20-foot model will provide a unique opportunity to see what healthy colon tissue looks like, how polyps can form in the colon and how colon cancer develops and can invade other healthy tissue.
  • Western Baptist employees will wear blue on the third annual national Dress in Blue Day on Friday, March 4, and make donations to raise money and awareness for colon cancer. In addition, blue ribbons will decorate trees around the hospital campus, and the hospital cafeteria will offer healthy “blue plate specials.”
  • A free colon cancer awareness luncheon with gastroenterologist Pamela Reed, M.D., will take place from noon to 1 p.m. Friday, March 25, in the Baptist Heart Center auditorium. Reservations are required; phone (270) 575-2895 to register.

Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the nation. The mortality rate in Kentucky is among the highest, killing nearly 900 people each year. Nine out of 10 colon cancers may be prevented or cured if detected early.

The American Cancer Society recommends adults 50 and older should be screened for colon cancer.

Risk factors associated with colon cancer include family history, diet low in vegetables, excessive alcohol use, tobacco use, obesity and a sedentary lifestyle. Colon cancer symptoms include rectal bleeding, change in bowel frequency or stool size, unexplained anemia or weight loss, fatigue, persistent abdominal pain and frequent vomiting.

If you have questions about colon cancer or colonoscopy, phone Baptist Health Line at (270) 575-2918.