Giant Inflatable Colon Comes to Baton Rouge

Pennington Biomedical Research Center Brings Giant Inflatable Colon to Baton Rouge
Interactive Experience to Show the Different Stages of Colorectal Cancer

WHAT In the United States, there are more than one million Americans living with a history of colorectal cancer. Estimates are that one in 20 Americans will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in a lifetime.1
To combat these staggering statistics, the patient advocacy organization Colon Cancer Alliance has embarked on the 2016 Big Colon Tour, a nationwide educational tour featuring a giant inflatable colon sponsored by Bayer. The tour pulls into Pennington Biomedical Research Center for the Get Your Rear In Gear Run/Walk event.
WHO: CCA volunteer living with colon cancer, Diane McAdams, and physician Dr. Kelly Finan, MD, from Our Lady The Lake Colon/Rectal are available for media interviews
WHEN: May 7, 2016 at 7:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
WHERE: 6400 Perkins Road
Baton Rouge, LA 70808
WHY: As with many cancers, early detection of colorectal cancer is important. The survival rate is much higher when the disease is diagnosed early, but research has shown that only 39 percent of patients are diagnosed at the early stage, in part due to the underuse of screening.2 In Louisiana approximately 61 percent of adults over 50 are being screened for colorectal cancer, but that leaves nearly 40 percent who are still not being screened.1 This is important, given that more than more than 60 percent of deaths from colorectal cancer could be prevented with screening.3
Colon Cancer Alliance’s giant inflatable colon engages the public in a memorable way by providing an interactive experience showing the different stages of colorectal cancer, including advanced disease. These efforts aim to raise public awareness of this disease by encouraging early detection and timely treatment, while raising funding for research nationwide. Help get the word out about colon cancer; together, we can make a difference.
For more information about the inflatable colon or colon cancer visit ccalliance.org.