Super Colon comes to Bend to raise awareness about colorectal cancer

Bend, Ore. - The message is clear - colorectal cancer is preventable, treatable and beatable. That is, when it is detected early. The St. Charles Regional Cancer Treatment Center will bring the Super Colon to St. Charles Bend Nov. 7 - 8 in an effort to inform people about the disease. According to the American Cancer Society Web site, colorectal cancer remains the second leading cancer killer in the United States despite the fact that it is 90 percent preventable and treatable. Lung cancer is the No. 1 killer.

Rosemary Johnson, the community education coordinator for the St. Charles Regional Cancer Treatment Center says that the Super Colon is one step toward creating awareness about the importance of early detection.

"The truth is that people don't like to talk about colorectal cancer. Our hope is that the Super Colon gives this subject a little levity and encourages people to educate themselves and take the proper step towards prevention," Johnson said.

The Super Colon is a 20-foot long, eight-foot high inflatable and interactive replica of a human colon. As visitors walk through the Super Colon they will see examples of healthy tissues, tissue with non-malignant colorectal diseases, colorectal polyps and various stages of colorectal cancer.

The Super Colon will be located in the St. Charles Bend Center for Health and Learning and will be open for viewing from 1 to 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 7 and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8. The Christmas Goose Boutique, which benefits Wendy's Wish, will also be Nov. 7 and 8 at the Center for Health and Learning. Wendy's Wish was established in memory Wendy Huntley who passed away from colorectal cancer in 2006. Admission to both events is free.

About the St. Charles Regional Cancer Treatment Center
The St. Charles Regional Cancer Treatment Center serves as the primary resource and referral center for cancer patients in Central and Eastern Oregon. This facility offers cutting-edge cancer treatments and technology, along with a wide range of education and support services for cancer patients. The goal is simply to provide the best care available anywhere. Only one in four hospitals that treat cancer patients receive accreditation as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer.  St. Charles Regional Cancer Treatment Center is one of them.

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