A great big reminder to get your colon checked. Visitors to the state Capitol get a chance to tour a giant colon set up inside the rotunda — all for a good reason, of course. "Colon cancer is one of the most preventable and detectable forms of cancer facing folks here in Wisconsin and also nationwide," says Eric Schutt with the Wisconsin Chapter of the American Cancer Society . "If you can get those screenings early enough, you can certainly get it treated, to beat the cancer."
Colon cancer will strike thousand of families in the state this year. According to Cancer Society statistics, 2,930 new colorectal cancer cases will be diagnosed this year, and over 900 Wisconsinites will die of the disease. In addition to genetic causes, colon cancer has also been linked to smoking, alcohol abuse, as well as diet and exercise
Schutt says some people are still put off by colon cancer screenings and colonoscopies. "There may be an education factor here," he says. "They aren't quite sure of what all is involved in a colonoscopy, or in getting screened. We recommend that they contact their primary care physician." Ironically, the colonoscopy, the most cost effective tool for early detection and treatment of colon cancer, is not always covered by insurance. Schutt says the Wisconsin chapter hopes to change that in the current session of the legislature.
AUDIO: Bob Hague interview (3:40 MP3)
