Fargo Cass Public Health (FCPH) will recognize March as Colon Cancer Awareness Month by encouraging community members to take part in any of three interactive and educational events throughout the month, where the Rollin’ Colon will be on display. The Rollin’ Colon will be available for community members to tour on March 5, 12 and 26 at FCPH. The Rollin’ Colon is an inflatable educational reproduction of the human colon, measuring 10 feet high, 32 feet long and 12 feet wide. It features large-scale, three-dimensional representations of polyps, colitis and diverticulosis as well as different stages of colorectal cancer.
In addition to the interactive element, participants will have an opportunity to take a short quiz to assess their risk of colorectal cancer and to request further guidance from a FCPH staff member. Participants who complete a tour of the Rollin’ Colon and take the quiz will receive a bag of frozen vegetables. Vegetables are being provided to encourage healthy dietary behaviors. Eating foods high in fiber can reduce the risk of colorectal cancer.
In North Dakota, colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men and women combined, according to the North Dakota Cancer Coalition. The American Cancer Society and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force both recommend all adults begin screening for CRC at the age of 45. People at an increased risk of getting CRC should talk to their doctor about when to begin screening, which test is right for them, and how often to get tested.
Rollin’ Colon event details:
• The inflatable and interactive model will be set up from noon to 6 p.m. on March 5, 12 and 26 at Fargo Cass Public Health, 1240 25th St. S., Fargo.
• There is no fee to attend.
• A short quiz to assess risk of CRC will be available.
• Learn more about CRC by visiting the North Dakota Cancer Coalition or ScreenND ScreenND.