Prevent Cancer Super Colon Visits Worcester, Mass.

The Prevent Cancer Super Colon™ visited Worcester, Massachusetts on August 17 at the 23rd annual Latin American Festival. The Prevent Cancer Foundation partnered with UMass Memorial Health Center to bring the exhibit to this widely attended, fun event. Over 400 people walked through the super-sized replica of a colon to learn about colorectal health, prevention, and early detection screening.

Massachusetts Congressman Jim McGovern and Congressional Families Cancer Prevention Program Executive Director Lisa McGovern were on hand to talk about their experience, having had colonoscopies within one day of each other shortly after their 50^th birthdays.  They assured people it was not as unpleasant as sometimes reported, and encourage others to be screened.  Doctors and representatives from UMass Memorial were available to discuss screening guidelines, schedule colonoscopies and answer questions.

Cancer is the leading cause of death for Hispanics and colorectal cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in both Hispanic men and women. The Prevent Cancer Super Colon started conversations about diet, the need for exercise, and barriers to screening such as lack of insurance, inability to take time from work and fears about cancer that are obstacles in the Latino communities and beyond.