Colon Cancer: Get Behind It

Posted by: Jennifer Wilson, Public Relations Manager | March 06, 2013

West Columbia, S.C. – Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States.  Each year, more than 2,000 South Carolinians are diagnosed with colon cancer and 800 die from the disease.  But it’s also one of the most preventable forms of cancer – and treatable when detected early.  Unfortunately, not everyone receives proper screening.

That’s why Lexington Medical Center will host its fourth annual Colon Cancer Challenge on Saturday, March 23, 2013.  The event features bike rides and an 8K run to raise awareness and funds for colon cancer screening.  Proceeds from the bike ride will pay for colonoscopies for patients who are uninsured or underinsured.  Hundreds of people are expected to participate. 

“It’s a day to raise awareness,” said Barbara Willm, Vice President of Community Relations at Lexington Medical Center.  “The funds that we raise go to provide screening colonoscopies for uninsured patients.  To date, we’ve screened more than 100 people with proceeds from the Colon Cancer Challenge.”

The Colon Cancer Challenge is set for March 23, 2013.  The one-day bicycling event will feature 65, 50 and 26 mile bike rides.  There will also be an 8K run.  Everything begins and ends at Dutch Fork High School, located at 1400 Old Tamah Road in Irmo.  Prizes will be awarded to top finishers in the 8K.

Bike Rides:
Early registration:  $35.
After March 11: $40.
Day of:  $45.

8K:
Early registration:  $25.
After March 11:  $30.
Day of:  $35.

New this year:  Participants in the 8K are encouraged to wear a pair of creatively designed boxer shorts over their bike or running clothes.  There will be prizes for the best boxers.

The 65 and 50 mile rides beginat 8:00 a.m; the 26-mile ride at 8:30 a.m.; 8K race boxer shorts modeling starts at 8:40 a.m.and the 8K run starts at 9:00 a.m.  Registration begins at 7:00 a.m.  Learn more and register at www.LMCColonCancerChallenge.com.

Here are some colon cancer facts from the American College of Gastroenterology:

·  Colon cancer is the only form of cancer that is preventable.

·  The best way to screen for colon cancer is a colonoscopy, which is an examination of the large intestine using a lighted tube.

·  Colonnoscopy is among the most powerful tools in clinical medicine, because of its excellent potential to identify and permit removal of polyps before they turn into cancer.

·  In general, doctors recommend that people undergo a colonoscopy every 10 years beginning at age 50.  African-Americans should begin screening at age 45.

· Early detection and intervention can reduce mortality from colon cancer by up to 90%.

March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month.  News reporters who would like to do stories on colon cancer in the days leading up to the bike ride and race should contact Jennifer Wilson, Lexington Medical Center Public Relations Manager, at 803-939-4512 or 803-447-3122.  With advance notice, interviews with doctors and patients can be coordinated.  In addition, news reporters can conduct interviews on the day of the Colon Cancer Challenge.

About Lexington Medical Center

Lexington Medical Center, in West Columbia, S.C., anchors a county-wide health care network that includes six community medical centers throughout Lexington County and employs a staff of 5,200 health care professionals. The network also includes the largest extended care facility in the Carolinas, two occupational health centers and more than 40 physician practices. At its heart is the 414-bed state-of-the-art Lexington Medical Center, with a reputation for the highest quality care. Lexington Medical Center won "Best Hospital" by readers of The State for ten years in a row, "Best Hospital" by readers of the Free Times, "Best Place to Have a Baby" by readers of Palmetto Parent, the "Consumer Choice Award" from the National Research Corporation and the prestigious "Summit Award" from Press Ganey.