Posted by Sudbury Northern Life Reporter Bill Bradley
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of death from
cancer in Ontario. But getting the disease doesn't have to be a
death sentence, especially if it's detected early.
That was the message from volunteers and staff with the
Canadian Cancer Society Saturday at the New Sudbury Centre,
where an exhibit, The Giant Colon, was being presented.
The exhibit was organized by the Colorectal Cancer Association
of Canada, with help from the local branch of the Canadian
Cancer Society and the cancer treatment program at the
Northeastern Ontario Regional Cancer Centre.
"We are here promoting to the public the early screening for
colorectal cancer, as well as screening for breast cancer,"
said Sue Arkilander, a volunteer with the Canadian Cancer
Society.
When caught early enough, there is a 90 per cent chance
colorectal cancer can be cured, states information from the
Canadian Cancer Society.
Arkilander said she was thrilled by the crowds of people who
showed up to take a tour through a tent-like inflatable
structure that simulates the natural structure of a colon.
"The response has been fantastic. A thousand people have gone
through since we opened at 9:30 a.m," said Arkilander at noon
Saturday.
The touring exhibit features speakers who outline some of the
facts about the disease inside the display, said Bram
Eisenthal, national director of the exhibits for the Colorectal
Cancer Association of Canada.
Genevieve Gibbons, community co-ordinator for the Screening
Saves Lives project of the Canadian Cancer Society, said the
goal is to get a very high percentage of those at risk to get
screened.
"By 2020, we want 90 per cent of all men and women over the age
of 50 to be screened," said Gibbons.
"This is a national target."
One in 14 men are expected to develop colorectal cancer and one
in 27 will die from it, she said. One in 16 women are expected
to be diagnosed with the disease and one in 31 will die,
according to statistics from the Canadian Cancer Society.
In 2008, 8,900 men and women died from the disease, while
21,500 Canadians were diagnosed.
For more information phone 670-1234.
