Cambridge Now!

  

What is 40 feet wide, eight feet high and pink all over? To raise awareness of the importance of early colorectal cancer screening, ColonCancerCheck, a joint program between the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and Cancer Care Ontario, is bringing The Giant Colon Exhibit on a tour across the province. The Giant Colon will visit Waterloo Town Square on Saturday, February 6 and Sunday, February 7 to educate the community about this preventable disease.

 

According to the Canadian Cancer Society, in 2009, an estimated 8,100 Ontarians were diagnosed with colorectal cancer and 3,300 died from the disease. What many do not realize is that there is a 90 per cent chance that colorectal cancer can be cured when caught early through regular, repeated screening.

 

The Giant Colon offers a rare look inside the body, and at the same time provides healthy lifestyle tips and explanations of diseases of the colon to visitors, including colorectal cancer. The Giant Colon Exhibit is owned and operated by the Colorectal Cancer Association of Canada and is brought to you in part by the Waterloo Wellington Regional Cancer Program.

 

“Ontario has one of the highest rates of colorectal cancer in the world, yet not nearly enough eligible Ontarians are getting screened. Proper screening saves lives and the Giant Colon Exhibit is a unique, interactive way to teach Ontarians about its importance," says Dr. Craig McFadyen, Regional Vice President, Waterloo Wellington Regional Cancer Program

 

“My experience with colorectal cancer began two years ago, when I was first diagnosed. I am so grateful that my cancer was caught and treated. If you have any questions about colorectal cancer, you should visit the Giant Colon exhibit at Waterloo Town Square and learn about how easy it is to be screened. It could be as simple as an at-home test," said Peter Ivatts, a colorectal cancer survivor

 

If you are 50 years of age or older or have a family history of colorectal cancer, you should talk about colorectal cancer screening options with your family health care provider.

Studies show that regular screening every two years for average risk individuals aged 50 to 74 can reduce deaths from colorectal cancer by 16 per cent. A simple home screening test called a Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) is available at no charge for average risk individuals from family health care providers. Ontarians without a family health care provider can contact INFOline at 1-866-410-5853.

 

 

Find out more about Colon Cancer Check, visit : www.coloncancercheck.ca
Find out more about Cancer Care Ontario visit:  www.cancercare.on.ca
Find out more about the Colorectal Cancer Association of Canada., visit:  www.colorectal-cancer.ca
Find out more about the Waterloo Wellington Regional Cancer Program, visit:  http://cancercare.on.ca/ocs/rcp/wwrcp/