May 28, 2010, Gallipolis - On June 4 and 5, the Kiser Colon exhibit will be available at the Gallia County Relay For Life at the Gallipolis City Park. The exhibit is a model of the human colon large enough for an adult to walk through. Along the exhibit, there are examples of polyps, which are grape-like growths on the lining of the colon or rectum that can become cancerous. The exhibit is a colorful effort to seize public attention and prompt more people to have life-saving tests for colon cancer.

Colorectal cancer occurs most often in people aged 50 or older, and the risk increases with age. Both men and women can get colorectal cancer. Some people are at greater risk for colorectal cancer and may need to be screened earlier. These individuals include people with a personal or family history of colorectal polyps, cancer or inflammatory bowel disease, a family history of hereditary or familial colon cancer syndromes, and people who use tobacco, are obese and/or are not physically active.

“We are very excited to be able to have this type of exhibit at the Relay,” stated Bonnie McFarland, American Cancer Society Gallia County Relay For Life Chairperson. “It is very important for the community to become knowledgeable about these types of life-saving tests that are available. This is a wonderful addition to our event and we encourage everyone to come out and view the display.”

There are several colorectal screenings tests available. Beginning at age 50, consider having one of the following tests: colonoscopy, virtual colonoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy, or a double- contrast barium. Men and women at risk for colorectal cancer should talk to their physician about what tests are appropriate and when. According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, colorectal cancer is the second leading cancer killer in the United States among cancers that affect both men and women. If everyone aged 50 years or older had regular colorectal cancer screenings, at least 60 percent of deaths from this cancer could be avoided. Colorectal cancer is cancer of the colon or the rectum. The colon is the large intestine or the large bowel. The rectum is the passageway connecting the colon to the anus.

The exhibit is named in memory of Tina Kiser, a devoted wife and mother and active advocate for colonoscopy screening legislation. In 2008, Kiser lost her four-year battle against colon cancer. The exhibit is available at the Relay For Life due to the American Cancer Society Colorectal Cancer Prevention and Control grant received by the Holzer Center for Cancer Care.

We encourage the community to join us at this year’s Relay For Life and view the exhibit. Information will be available with the display. For more information, call Bonnie McFarland, Gallia County Relay For Life Chairperson at (740) 446-5679.

Holzer Clinic… Medical Excellence, Local Caring.

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Holzer Clinic is a multiple discipline health care system of over 140 board certified physicians providing care in more than thirty areas of expertise. With nine locations throughout southeastern Ohio and western West Virginia, Holzer Clinic provides “Medical Excellence, coupled with Local Caring”.

Holzer Clinic is accredited by the Accreditation Association of Ambulatory Health Care.

If you would like more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview, please contact MarJean Kennedy @ 740-441-3288 or MKennedy@holzerclinic.com