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Colon polyp will pop up in VUMC eatery March 1

Posted 2/25/2011

Visitors to the VUMC Courtyard Café on Tuesday, March 1 at lunchtime will be greeted by a cancer researcher outfitted to resemble a colon polyp – a small growth in the lining of the colon that can lead to cancer. The researcher is donning a bright red outfit, complete with a scarlet wig, as the kickoff event for Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in March.

Employees with the VUMC Colon and Rectal Surgery Clinic will be providing information about the importance of colorectal cancer screening and prevention. Visitors who fill out a health risk assessment for colorectal cancer will be eligible for small gift treats.

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S., claiming more than 51,000 lives annually. Age, obesity, a poor diet and lack of exercise all contribute to colon cancer risk. Colon screening is advised for everyone beginning at age 50, or even earlier for those who have persistent colon problems or a family history of the disease.

For information about the event, contact duveen.sturgeon@vanderbilt.edu.