Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center Purchases Giant Colon

Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center’s Richard E. Winter Cancer Center recently purchased an inflatable giant colon with grant funds. The giant colon is an educational tool and attention-getter that features various stages of disease with explanations of healthy colon tissue, Crohn’s disease, polyps, malignant polyps, colon cancer, and advanced colon cancer.

Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death in men and women combined in the United States. The American Cancer Society estimates that this year 95,520 people will be diagnosed with colon cancer, 39,910 will be diagnosed with rectal cancer, and 50,260 will die from this disease. On average, the lifetime risk of developing colon cancer is about one in 23 for men and women combined (4.5%); however, this varies widely according to risk factors. About 71% of cases arise in the colon and about 29% in the rectum. St. Lawrence County’s colorectal screening rate is still below the 80% goal. Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer if caught in its early stages. Colorectal screening saves lives. The Medical Center will be taking the giant colon to events spreading awareness and education about the importance of colorectal cancer screening. Your tomorrow is worth defending. Shown in the photo are Medical Center staff Kerri Terrance, Matt Peacock, Dr. Noah Zuker, April Spooner and Alicia Crossman.