Wednesday, March 5, 2008

At a press conference today, representatives from Regional Cancer Care, the Northern Cancer Research Foundation (NCRF) and RBC Royal Bank hosted a ‘colossal’ kick-off for Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month by officially opening the Colossal Colon® Health Expo at Intercity Shopping Centre.   The Colossal Colon® Health Expo, running from Wednesday March 5 to Sunday March 9, features a free, interactive speaker’s series on colorectal cancer prevention, screening and treatment, as well as health information booths and, of course, a giant colon.

The Colossal Colon® is a 40-foot long, one-tonne fibreglass colon which curious visitors can explore to learn about healthy colon tissue, polyps, various stages of colorectal cancer and other colorectal conditions.

“This is both a fun and educational event that will hopefully get people talking about colorectal cancer and thinking about their own risk and what they can do about it,” said Brian McKinnon, Chair of the Board, NCRF.

In February, Regional Cancer Care and the NCRF announced a new partnership with RBC Royal Bank that included a $90,000 commitment from RBC Royal Bank for colorectal cancer awareness, prevention and screening initiatives in Northwestern Ontario.

“We recognize the need in our community to address high rates of colorectal cancer, and we are proud to contribute both financially and through the dedication of our staff in volunteering at special awareness events across the region, particularly the Colossal Colon®,” said Murray Walberg, Regional Vice President, Northwestern Ontario, RBC Royal Bank.

Northwestern Ontario has some of the highest incidence rates of colorectal cancer in the province, and some of the lowest screening rates. Michael Power, VP of Regional Cancer Services and Diagnostics at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, said events like the Colossal Colon® and campaigns like The Bottom Line, which will roll out next week, are crucial in raising awareness in our community.

“Over 7,800 people will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in Ontario this year. We have particularly high rates here in Northwestern Ontario, with only 15 per cent of the population participating in regular screening through Fecal Occult Blood Tests (FOBT),” he said. “Colorectal cancer is 90 per cent curable if detected early, and it can be done with a simple test.”

This year, Ontario will roll out a new provincial Colorectal Cancer Screening Program to help increase access to screening both for average-risk and high-risk populations.

Dr. Linda Rabeneck, Medical Director for Ontario’s Colorectal Cancer Screening Program, was in Thunder Bay to see the Colossal Colon® firsthand and support the efforts of Regional Cancer Care and the NCRF in raising awareness of the disease. She spoke about the new provincial screening program and how it will encourage screening for average-risk individuals.

“Our overall goal is to increase the number of people being screened for colorectal cancer,” she said. “With the new provincial colorectal cancer screening program, men and women 50 years of age or older without a family history of colorectal cancer are considered at average risk, and will be screened using a Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) which is a take-home kit they can complete themselves and mail to a central lab. If the FOBT comes back positive, then the person will be referred for a colonoscopy. People considered to be at increased risk are those with a family history of the disease. They will be referred directly for a screening colonoscopy.”

Thunder Bay resident Bob Fenton credits early screening for saving his life. The 58-year-old First Nations man has a history of colorectal cancer in his family but wasn’t aware of his increased risk or what he could do about it. Fortunately, his family physician recognized his increased risk and referred him for colonoscopy, where they eventually detected cancer. Since his treatment, Fenton has been cancer-free for four years.

“I don’t think people realize how a screening test can mean the difference between life and death,” he said. “Be tested early. It can save your life. Don’t be afraid to talk about it, afraid to ask questions, or afraid to do something about it. There is wonderful support out there, but you need to be your own champion.”

About the Colossal Colon®

The Colossal Colon® is the creation of Molly McMaster, a colon cancer survivor who was diagnosed on her 23rd birthday, with help and support from Glens Falls Hospital in Glens Falls, NY. The Colossal Colon® is a project of The Colon Club and is dedicated to the memory of Molly’s friend, Amanda Sherwood Roberts, who lost her battle with colon cancer at age 27.

The Colossal Colon® is sponsored nationally by Get Your Guts in Gear – The Ride for Crohn’s & Colitis (GYGIG). GYGIG creates and produces 3-day, 210-mile bicycle rides to raise awareness about Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and the needs of people living with ostomies. For more information about GYGIG, please visit www.ibdride.com. The Colossal Colon® was designed and built by Adirondack Scenic, Inc., a custom design and fabrication company.

For more information about Molly or about the Colossal Colon®, please visit www.colossalcolon.com.

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