The colon is getting its moment in the spotlight.
No, not the two-story period. An inflatable 20-foot-long, 8-foot replica of a human colon is coming to Cancer Treatment Centers of America at Southwestern Regional Medical Center in Tulsa on April 21.
The interactive exhibit is intended to teach people about the risks, symptoms and prevention options for colorectal cancer. This exhibit is sponsored by Sanofi-aventis U.S. as part of a national tour. Last year the group sponsored the exhibit at more than 60 sites throughout the U.S.
"Well, as a nurse, of course I'm excited about the exhibit," said Lindsay Rehm, education specialist at CTCA. "This is a great opportunity and a great visual."
Colon cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in Oklahoma and the nation, and it's the third most common cancer in Oklahoma, according to the American Cancer Society.
About 1,900 new cases of colon cancer were diagnosed in Oklahoma in 2008.
Leon Yoder, gastroenterologist at CTCA, said more people are diagnosed with colon cancer each year.
"Colon cancer is a very important Replica Mulberry Handbags disease in our country," he said. "By looking at the colon at this exhibit, people can see what a colon is and does."
As visitors walk through the colon exhibit, they get Cartier Fake a close-up look at healthy tissue and tissue with non-malignant colorectal cancer diseases, as well as tissue with various stages of colorectal cancer.
People over the age of 50 should have a colonoscopy performed, said Yoder. He said many people decide not to undergo a colonoscopy because of the high price. It can cost up to $1,500 for the procedure and it takes a significant part of the day.
"So I think it's being scared, having to take time off and worrying about insurance coverage for why people don't get the screenings," he said. "But colon cancer can be completely eliminated if they have a screening."
Colon cancer is the fourth most common cancer treated at CTCA. A majority of the colorectal patients are between the ages of 50 and 69, with 53 percent being male and 47 percent female.
Many people may not realize that colon cancer can be prevented if people abide by healthy nutrition and exercise, said Kalli Castille, director of nutrition and metabolic support Fake Porsche Design Watches and food services at CTCA.
"People have got to want to change," she said. "We provide a lot of education here for patients as well as families."
Castille recommends limiting red meat and eating as much plant protein as possible.
During the day for the colon cancer exhibit, Castille said CTCA is sponsoring a cooking demonstration on healthy eating.
Yoder will also be speaking about recent advances in colorectal cancer treatment.
"People should attend the event because it will give them an appreciation more what colon cancer is and the potential problems and life they can expect if they have cancer," he said. "I think colon cancer is partly due to people's habits and we can't continue to live lifestyles that aren't good for us."
News to know:
What: Prevent Cancer Super Colon exhibit
Where: Cancer Treatment Centers of America at Southwestern Regional Medical Center in Tulsa, 81st Street and Highway 169
When: April 21, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
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