Passing through the colon

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Marissa Hollowed

Story Created: Thu Mar 15, 2012 1:07 PM

Story Updated: Thu Mar 15, 2012 2:48 PM

PADUCAH - March is colon cancer awareness month. Today you have the chance to travel through a colon. This giant colon is a little less messy than a real one.

A giant inflatable colon was at Western Baptist hospital today. You can see what colon cancer looks like, as well as gastro diseases and the pre-cancerous lesions known as polyps.

Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths, but a colonoscopy can detect polyps early enough to prevent it.   

Colon cancer is also a topic many are afraid to discuss because they are scared of pre-colonoscopy treatments. Over time, they have gotten much more terrible.

Doctors recommend that everyone turning 50 should get a colonoscopy. If you have a family history, it is good to get one at age 40.