Rollin' Colon at Union Square to Raise Awareness of Colon Cancer

NEW YORK, Sept. 4, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- A giant, inflatable colon is coming to Union Square on Tuesday, Sep. 10, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., to help educate New Yorkers about colorectal cancer and other digestive diseases.

The Colon Cancer Challenge Foundation (CCCF), a New York-based nonprofit dedicated to reducing colorectal cancer incidence and death throughout the United States, is partnering with Beth Israel's Division of Digestive Diseases to help residents be aware of and better understand colon cancer and digestive diseases.

"Talking about colon cancer can still be a tough conversation for some people, and we're happy Beth Israel is helping us start that conversation," said Catherine Montaldo, CCCF executive director. "The Rollin' Colon is a way to break the ice by putting the issue of colon cancer and other diseases front and center. It's hard to ignore the symptoms of colon cancer or Crohn's disease when you are literally face-to-face with them."

The Rollin' Colon is a 12-foot-high, 10-foot-long, pink inflatable colon. It is a walk-through educational exhibit created to inform the public about the signs and symptoms of colorectal cancers, as well as other diseases of the colon. Included are large-scale polyps, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease and different stages of colorectal cancer. This multimedia experience provides critical health information and encourages colorectal cancer prevention and screening.

"This event is an opportunity to show everyone that screening for colon cancer is important and effective before symptoms develop," said Dr. David Carr-Locke, chief of the Division of Digestive Diseases at Beth Israel Medical Center. "We will be there to answer questions about screening and any concerns about gastrointestinal diseases."

The Colon Cancer Challenge Foundation and Beth Israel Division of Digestive Diseases will be available at the Rollin' Colon in Union Square on Sep. 10 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. giving away prizes, answering questions and providing additional educational materials about colon cancer and other digestive diseases.

For more information about the Colon Cancer Challenge Foundation, visit www.coloncancerchallenge.org. For questions about the Rollin' Colon or to book a visit, go to www.coloncancerchallenge.org/about-us/the-rollin-colon.

About the Colon Cancer Challenge Foundation

The Colon Cancer Challenge Foundation (coloncancerchallenge.org) is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization registered in New York state and listed by the Federal IRS as a public charity dedicated to reducing colorectal cancer incidence and death. Its mission includes supporting research into the causes and cures for colorectal cancer, increasing public awareness, educating the public about the importance of early detection and forming strategic partnerships in the fight against colorectal cancer.

About Beth Israel Medical Center

Beth Israel Medical Center is a 1,106-bed, full-service tertiary teaching hospital that was founded on Manhattan's Lower East Side before the turn of the 20th century. Beth Israel originally was dedicated to serving a vulnerable population in that community. Now a century later, the Medical Center serves individuals and families from every walk of life throughout New York City and beyond.

SOURCE Colon Cancer Challenge Foundation