To raise awareness about the importance of screening for colorectal cancer, several events will be taking place at the Cheyenne Regional Cancer Center on March 9 and 10.

Included will be the chance to walk through an inflatable colon set up inside the center, located at 310 East 24th St.
 
“The inflatable colon is about 10 feet high and 10 feet long. People who walk through it will be able to see what the inside of both a healthy and an unhealthy colon look like,” said Barbara Lawyer, Cheyenne Regional’s oncology program manager.
 
Activities will take place 10 a.m.-2 p.m. both days and will include:
·       Presentations about the importance of colorectal screening, from noon to 12:30 p.m. both days
·       The distribution of free colorectal cancer screening “stool” kits
·       Coffee and cookbook sales, with proceeds to go toward Wyoming Camp Courage, a camp for children with cancer held each year in Dubois, WY
·       Free refreshments and several giveaways
·       Information about local cancer screening programs, including the availability of free screenings for colorectal, breast/cervical, lung and testicular cancer
·       Radon testing kits for $3 each
·       Drawing for a $100 gas card for Laramie County residents who complete an application for the free colorectal cancer screening program
 
“Colorectal cancer is the third-most common cancer in the United States and is also the second-leading cause of all cancer deaths in the United States,” Lawyer said. “So it’s vital that people who are at risk get screened. The good news is that colorectal cancer can be prevented. It’s also very treatable if you catch the cancer early.”
 
Another statistic of note, said Lawyer, is that “colorectal cancer is most often found in people age 50 and older. That especially points to the need for people 50 and older to get screened.”
 
Several colorectal cancer screening options are available, with the colonoscopy being the most recommended of all the tests, Lawyer said.
 
The cancer center is focusing on colorectal cancer in March as part of National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.
 
A colonoscopy can find colorectal cancer early, when there is a good chance of being cured. We want to help educate our community about the importance of getting screened,” Lawyer said.
 
Cheyenne Regional’s focus on colorectal cancer is the first in a series of educational events and celebrations taking place this year that will emphasize the importance of cancer screenings and the availability of quality cancer care in Cheyenne.
 
 

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