New Center for Digestive Diseases to Host Colon Cancer Awareness Events

On Friday, April 15, Saint Francis Medical Center’s new Center for Digestive Diseases will host two EPIC digestive health events – the second annual Colon Cancer Awareness event from noon to 6 pm, and the Center for Digestive Diseases open house from 4 to 6 pm. Both events will be held at 28. S. Mount Auburn Road.

The Colon Cancer Awareness event is co-hosted by the American Cancer Society^® and will feature:
• The EPIC colon (Early detection and Prevention Inflatable Colon), a giant walk-through replica of a human colon that simulates healthy colon tissue, colorectal diseases and polyps, and shares prevention tips, symptoms and treatment options
• Questionnaires determining risk for colon cancer and clinical staff to answer questions and schedule screenings
• Physician Q-and-A sessions throughout the day

During the open house for the Center for Digestive Diseases, attendees can tour Saint Francis’ new home for outpatient gastrointestinal (GI) services. The new facility provides colorectal screenings, comprehensive care and innovative treatments, all in one building. It also features an improved waiting area and easy access to outpatient services, particularly the registration process.

Colorectal cancer is 90 percent preventable and treatable if caught early, yet only 38 percent of colorectal cancer cases are discovered at this early stage, making it the second-leading cancer killer in the United States* — with Missouri holding the second-highest colorectal cancer rate in the country.** However, as more men and women older than 50 have regular screening exams earlier, colorectal cancer deaths have dropped steadily over the past 20 years. For more information on these events or the new Center for Digestive Diseases, call 877-419-3350.

Visitors walk through the American Cancer Society’s inflatable colon cancer awareness exhibit. The EPIC (Early detection and Prevention Inflatable Colon), a giant walk-through replica of a human colon, will again visit Saint Francis Medical Center on Friday, April 15 during the second annual Colon Cancer Awareness event from noon to 6 pm at the new Center for Digestive Diseases, 28 S. Mount Auburn Road.