Giant Colon Coming To Acadiana

A giant inflatable walk-through colon will make its debut in Acadiana to help teach Louisiana residents about colorectal cancer and the need for preventive screening.

The Louisiana Comprehensive Cancer Control Program (LCCCP) at www.lcccp.org  is a CDC-funded program housed at the LSU School of Public Health, which works on creating awareness of six priority cancers. The cancers, which include lung, colorectal, breast, cervical, prostate and skin are ones that can be prevented or mitigated by lifestyle choices and/or screenings. LCCCP is partnering with Lafayette General Hospital, The Children’s Museum of Acadiana/Downtown Alive! and Rouses to bring this exhibit to the public at four stops around Lafayette.

* Friday, March 20 – University Hospital & Clinics, 2329 W. Congress St., 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

* Friday, March 20 – The Children’s Museum of Acadiana during Downtown Alive! 201 E. Congress St., 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.

* Saturday, March 21 – Rouses, 6163 Johnston St., 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. (Free water and snacks to the first 200 people.)

* Monday, March 23 – The Burdin Riehl Center at Lafayette General, 1211 Coolidge St., 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in Louisiana, in spite of being more than 90 percent preventable. A recent study has shown Cajuns to have one of the highest incidence rates in the country. The National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable and the newly formed Louisiana Colorectal Cancer Roundtable are encouraging everyone 50 and older to be screened regularly, so that we reach a nationwide goal of “80% by 2018”.

CONTACT:

Laura Ricks at lricks@lsuhsc.edu; 504-568-5877 or pressinfo@lcccp.org. For more information on colorectal cancer and others, go to lcccp.org.