OGDENSBURG -- Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center’s Richard E. Winter Cancer Center recently purchased an inflatable giant colon as an educational tool and attention-getter.

The giant colon, purchased with grant funds, features various stages of disease with explanations of healthy colon tissue, Crohn’s disease, polyps, malignant polyps, colon cancer, and advanced colon cancer.

Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death in men and women combined in the United States. The American Cancer Society estimates that this year 95,520 Americans will be diagnosed with colon cancer, 39,910 will be diagnosed with rectal cancer, and 50,260 will die from these diseases.

On average, the lifetime risk of developing colon cancer is about one in 23, or 4.5%, for men and women combined, but it varies widely according to risk factors.

St. Lawrence County’s colorectal screening rate is still below the 80% goal. Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer if caught in its early stages. Colorectal screening saves lives.

CHMC will be taking the giant colon to events spreading awareness and education about the importance of colorectal cancer screening.