|
Home > What's New > Giant Colon Coming to Sudbury: Don't Get Left Behind Giant Colon Coming to Sudbury: Don't Get Left Behind MONDAY, MARCH 23, 2009
Don’t miss your chance to walk through and explore the GIANT COLON from Saturday, March 28 to Thursday, April 2 at the New Sudbury Centre. The gigantic 40-foot interactive and educational multi-media exhibit is the brainchild of the Colorectal Cancer Association of Canada. The exhibit aims to raise awareness about colorectal cancer and other diseases of the colon. While exploring the giant colon, visitors can learn about the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle and regular screening in preventing colorectal cancer.
“Our objective is to offer people a fun and interactive way to learn about a topic that may be awkward or difficult for some to talk about,” said Joelle Doiron, a public health nurse with the Sudbury & District Health Unit. “The good news is that that colorectal cancer is preventable, treatable, and curable. And, being informed and talking with family and friends are important first steps.”
Colon cancer, often called colorectal cancer, is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in Ontario. It develops in the large intestines, which includes the colon and rectum. Generally, it develops from tiny growths inside the colon or rectum called polyps. Unfortunately, there are no early warning symptoms of the disease. That's why early detection through regular screening is so important. When detected early, there’s a 90 per cent chance of curing colorectal cancer.
ColonCancerCheck (sic) is a province-wide colorectal cancer screening program that encourages all adults aged 50 and older to get screened for colorectal cancer.
One of the key screening tools used is the Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) kit, which people can use in the privacy and comfort of their homes. People use the kit to collect stool samples and then send them to a laboratory. If blood is detected in the samples, additional screening may be needed such as a colonoscopy. Everyone 50 years and older should be screened with FOBT every two years.
A colonoscopy is a procedure performed by a physician in hospital. It allows doctors to examine the lining of the rectum and colon using a long flexible tube with a camera on the end. This procedure is recommended for individuals at increased risk of colon cancer such as those who have a close relative (parent, sibling, or child) who has the disease.
As with many chronic diseases, you can reduce your risk of colorectal cancer by eating a healthy diet, leading an active lifestyle, not smoking, and consuming alcoholic beverages in moderation if you drink.
In addition to the GIANT COLON exhibit, experts in colorectal cancer, cancer screening, healthy lifestyles, and cancer risk factors will be featured from March 28 to April 2 at various locations throughout Greater Sudbury as part of a speakers series. More details are available on the Health Unit’s website and at the exhibit in the New Sudbury Centre. All events are free and open to the public.
Many agencies have partnered to host this unique event including the Sudbury & District Health Unit; the Colorectal Cancer Association of Canada; the Cancer Prevention and Screening Network, North East; Hôpital régional de Sudbury Regional Hospital, Regional Cancer Program; Canadian Cancer Society, Ontario Division; Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of Canada, Sudbury Chapter; and CTV.
For more information about colorectal cancer and the GIANT COLON, please visit www.sdhu.com or call the Sudbury & District Health Unit at (705) 522-9200, ext. 496 or toll free at 1-866-522-9200.
Additional information can be found through the following agencies:
-30-
Media Contact:
Joelle Doiron
Public Health Nurse
(705) 522-9200, ext. 496  Print
|
