Undy 5000 (www.undy5000.org) is a unique event promoting colon cancer awareness Aug. 20 at Cheney Stadium in Tacoma. The event encourages participants to run in their underwear to bring attention to the area affected by colon cancer. Created by the Colon Cancer Alliance, this 5K run/walk is a positive way to increase awareness to the third-deadliest form of cancer. Each participant receives a pair of commemorative Undy 5000 boxers.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, nearly 40 percent of Washington residents at risk for colon cancer have not been screened. We physicians need to join patients, family members and friends to overcome barriers like prep, fear of discomfort and lack of perceived risk. Websites like www.StopColonCancerNow.com and www.ccalliance.org provide information and hopefully will help increase colon cancer screening rates.
Talk to your physician about being screened for colon cancer if you are: at least 50 years old; African American and at least 45; are younger than 50 but have a personal or family history of colon cancer or polyps.
A colonoscopy not only detects cancer, it can prevent it. Please join me in the fight against colon cancer by getting screened if you are at risk and joining us on Aug. 20!
Dr. Oussama Moussan
Puyallup
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