Thousands To Participate In Colon Cancer 5K Near Lincoln Memorial

Main Category: Colorectal Cancer
Also Included In: Cancer / Oncology
Article Date: 27 Mar 2008 - 4:00 PDT

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Colon cancer has the second highest cancer mortality rate in the United States, yet it is one of the most preventable forms of cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. So why are almost 60,000 people dying of colon cancer each year? The answer: people are not getting screened. Thousands will participate in the 5K walk on March 30, 2008 in an effort to build awareness and encourage people to get regular colonoscopies.

WHAT: Fourth annual Scope It Out™ 5K walk/run to promote colon cancer awareness. Race proceeds will [benefit] Lombardi Cancer Center, Prevent Cancer Foundation and the Colon Cancer Alliance.

WHERE: West Potomac Park
17th & Constitution, NW
Washington, D.C. 20242

WHEN: 8 a.m. - 10 a.m. Sunday, March 30, 2008

WHY: Approximately 150,000 people will be diagnosed with colon cancer this year, and almost 60,000 will die. Promoting awareness could decrease these numbers drastically.

Consider Jennifer Puglise's story: A 31-year-old aerobics instructor from Manassas, Virginia was showing all the symptoms of colon cancer. She was losing weight, had blood in her stool, severe stomach pains, vomiting and was lethargic.

She went to her doctor several times and he refused to give her a colonoscopy, because she was "too young for colon cancer." On her fourth doctor's visit, Jen received a colonoscopy, but her cancer was already at stage IV, making it difficult to treat.

As one of the less than 10 percent of colon cancer patients under 50, Jen wants to spread awareness to people of all ages who may be showing signs of colon cancer.

WHO: Thousands of survivors and their loved ones will gather for this run/walk in an effort to increase awareness and potentially save lives.

Support colon cancer awareness -- visit http://www.scopeitout5k.com and become a race sponsor, donor or participant.

About The Charles A. Kraenzle Colon Cancer Foundation

Founded in 2004, The Charles A. Kraenzle Colon Cancer Foundation draws thousands of participants each year to its annual Scope It Out™ 5K Walk/Run. The foundation is dedicated to increasing awareness of colon cancer and the importance of routine colonoscopies.

Charles A. Kraenzle Colon Cancer Foundation