BOSTON – More than 100 people in downtown Boston visited St. Anthony Shrine on June 14 to take a free tour of the “Super Colon” and learn about prevention, early detection, and treatment of colorectal cancer. Presented by St. Anthony Shrine in partnership with The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Blum Family Resource Center Van & The Cancer Research and Prevention Foundation, the “Super Colon” is a traveling, hand-on display.
This exhibit, an inflatable replica of a human coon, allows visitors to get an up-close look at healthy colon tissue, non-malignant colorectal disease like Chron’s and colitis, colorectal polyps, and various stages of colorectal cancer. Many brochures were provided for attendees who wanted to know more.
At noon, more than 50 people attended a talk by Dr. Jeffrey Meyerhardt on“Living with ColonCancer.” Dr. Meyerhardt is the author of several articles published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, including “Physical Activity and Survival After Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis” and Impact of Physical Activity on Cancer Recurrence and Survival in Patients with Stage III Colon Cancer.”
“What a wonderful way to learn about a disease no one wants to talk about,” said one visitor. “I’m having my colonoscopy next month, so I came to see what I need to be prepared for,” said another. Yet another said, “This is a great service to the downtown community; thanks St. Anthony’s.”
Myron McCormick said, “Because I hd just had a colonoscopy, it was very enlightening to see what actually happens during the test.”
The “Super Colon” van is part of a series of cancer prevention events sponsored jointly by St. Anthony Shrine and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Other events coming up include visits by mobile vans offering screening for breast and prostrate cancer.
David Convertino, director of the Shrine said,” It’s great that we have been able to collaborate with the Dana Farber CAncer institute in cancer awareness and prevention.”
— Diane Monaghan works in the development office of St. Anthony Shrine.