A 20-foot inflatable colon replica will return to Owensboro Health Regional Hospital later this month as part of an event to raise awareness of colorectal cancer. Out of the top 10 cancers in Daviess County, colorectal cancer is ranked fifth in incidence and second in mortality according to the Owensboro Health Cancer Registry.
Owensboro Health is partnering with the Kentucky Cancer Program for the exhibit, called “The Incredible Colon.” The exhibit was last on display at OHRH in March 2020 as part of the same effort to raise awareness of colorectal cancer.
“These deaths could be greatly reduced if individuals were getting their age-appropriate screening in a timely manner,” said Tim Laugh, Director of Owensboro Health Mitchell Memorial Cancer Center. “Lung and colon cancers often go undetected since cancer symptoms do not present early. When patients present with symptoms, it is typically in the late stages when cancer is harder to cure. Screenings help by catching cancer early when it can be cured.”
The Incredible Colon exhibit, which is free and open to the public, will take place from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on March 29. Visitors to the exhibit will be able to:
- Walk through the colon model
- Learn how the colon works
- Learn how colorectal cancer screening can prevent cancer entirely or catch it early, improving chances of survival
- Ask an expert about ways to improve and maintain digestive health
“Events like this are important for a number of reasons,” Laugh said. “It creates awareness, provides education and encourages participants to sign-up for screenings.”
