For more information, contact Kim Papich, SRHD Public Information Officer (509) 324-1539

SPOKANE, Wash. –UnitedHealthcare (UHC) and Spokane Regional Health District (SRHD), as part of National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in March, are excited to partner with Colon STARS to bring an incredible, inflatable, interactive replica of a human colon – big enough to walk through – to town. It is the ultimate opportunity to educate the community about the risks, symptoms, prevention, early detection, and treatment options for colorectal cancer.

The 20-foot long, 10-foot high colon will visit two locations:

• March 25, 2014, Spokane Valley Mall, 14700 E Indiana, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
• March 26, 2014, North Town Mall, 4750 N Division, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Visitors can walk through, at no charge, to get a close-up look at healthy colon tissue, tissue with non-malignant colorectal diseases, and tissue with various stages of colorectal cancer. The key takeaway being, the best way to prevent colorectal cancer is to get tested starting at age 50.

“Colorectal cancer is 90 percent preventable and 90 percent treatable if detected early, yet it’s the second-leading cancer killer in the United States,” said Anita Mitchell, Colon STARS founder and program director. “We hope that this exhibit will encourage area residents to talk to their health care providers about colorectal cancer screening.”
 
And with a March 31, 2014 enrollment deadline fast approaching, Washington Health Benefit Exchange in-person assistance will be available for those who need additional assistance enrolling through Washington Healthplanfinder. Screening for colorectal cancer is covered under the Affordable Care Act, often with no out-of-pocket expense.
 
Leading up to the event, these agencies can also connect media with colorectal cancer survivors for interviews highlighting their personal experiences and messages for the community. On both days of the exhibit, UHC and SRHD’s partners will also have interactive booths at both events to share program materials and resources, games and giveaways and/or raffle items. Polly Polyp will be on hand too for additional educational entertainment. March 25 and 26, 2014, are sure to be educational and fun days in Spokane, as we join together to increase colorectal cancer screening rates and survivorship.
 

UnitedHealthcare’s Role in Preventing Colorectal Cancer
UHC is committed to building healthier communities by creating and implementing innovative programs and supporting cancer screening events. Many UHC programs inspire small steps by educating communities about how to advocate for their own health care needs. They provide weekly classes, online coaches, peer-to-peer support, health care and open enrollment events, and many more opportunities to make positive changes to help reduce risk of developing colorectal and other cancers, heart disease, and diabetes. Please visit its web site: www.UHCCommunityplan.com or call 1-877-542-8997 for more information.
 
Spokane Regional Health District’s Role in Preventing Colorectal Cancer
The burden of colorectal cancer is reduced through screening and modifying risk factors. Increasing awareness around these measures is the first step in fulfilling the promise of prevention. SRHD’s Breast, Cervical and Colon Health program makes colon cancer screenings easily-available to men and women who qualify in Washington state. The health district’s Healthy Communities program, among other areas of focus, works to improve regional nutrition and physical activity, two modifiable risk factors of colorectal cancer. More information can be found at www.srhd.org. Spokane Regional Health District’s Web site also offers comprehensive, updated information about Spokane Regional Health District and its triumphs in making Spokane a safer and healthier community. Become a fan of SRHD on Facebook to receive local safety and wellness tips. You can also follow us on Twitter @spokanehealth.