Lexington Medical Center’s Colon Cancer Challenge 2011

Posted by: Jennifer Wilson, Public Relations Manager | March 01, 2011

West Columbia, S.C. – Did you know that colon cancer is the second leading cancer killer in the United States?  The American Cancer Society estimates that nearly 800 South Carolinians die of colon cancer each year.  But it’s also one of the most preventable forms of cancer – and curable – when detected early.

Lexington Medical Center will host its second annual Colon Cancer Challenge, a bike ride to raise awareness and funds for colon cancer.  Proceeds from the bike ride will pay for colonoscopies for patients who are uninsured or underinsured.  More than 200 bikers are expected to participate.  Last year’s event raised $10,000 and provided 25 colonoscopies.

The Colon Cancer Challenge is set for March 26, 2011.  The one-day bicycling event will feature a 65 mile ride, 25 mile ride and 10 and 5 mile rides.  The rides begin from Dutch Fork High School.  There will also be fun activities for families throughout the day and vendors.

Registration for the 65 and 25 mile rides is $35; the 5 and 10 mile rides are $15; children ages 12 and younger are $5.  You can find out more information and register online at the hospital’s Website, www.lexmed.com.

Registration begins at 7:00 a.m.  The 65-mile ride begins at 8:00 a.m.  The 25-mile ride begins at 9:00 a.m.  The Family Fun Ride begins at 10:00 a.m.

“Lexington Medical Center enjoys opportunities to educate our community members about important topics related to their health,” said Barbara Willm, Lexington Medical Center Vice President of Community Relations.  “We hope that the Colon Cancer Challenge will encourage people to be screened for colon cancer and help to provide free screenings for many people.”

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

·  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 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 ride.

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.