WVU Medicine Camden Clark Medical Center medical staff members Seanna Shearer and Amanda Jackson read the colon cancer sign in the Strollin’ Colon at the WVU Cancer Institute Wednesday. (Photo by Amber Phipps)

PARKERSBURG — To raise awareness for colon cancer during the month of March, WVU Medicine Camden Clark Medical Center invited patients and medical personnel to take a stroll through its “Strollin’ Colon” Wednesday.

The 10-by-12-foot inflatable colon stood in the entrance of Camden Clark’s Medical Office Building B for individuals to walk through, observe and ask questions.

In partnership with WVU Cancer Institute and the West Virginia Mountains of Hope State Cancer Coalition, the event provided visitors with an opportunity to learn more about colon cancer and colon health.

WVU Cancer Institute Nurse Practitioner Jo Rockhold said starting colon cancer screening early is crucial for treatment and prevention.

“Everybody, regardless of family history, should start screening for colon cancer at the age of 45,” she said. “Or if you’re having symptoms.”

Members of the cancer care team from WVU Cancer Institute at Camden Clark pose in front of Strollin’ Colon for Colon Cancer Awareness Month Wednesday. (Photo by Amber Phipps)

Rockhold said it’s important to check with a primary care provider first about any symptoms experienced such as unusual blood in stool, unintentional weight loss, abdominal pain and changes in bowel movement.

“We have different screening options like non-invasive screenings,” she said.

According to Rockhold, medical personnel will typically start with non-invasive screenings before doing a colonoscopy.

“As with any cancer, the earlier we find it, the more treatable it can be,” she said. “It’s better if we can find it in the early stages.”

She said Camden Clark has an experienced oncology team who can provide information and help patients during each step of the process.

“A lot of colon cancers are related to what we call ‘modifiable risk factors,’ and the good thing about modifiable risk factors is you can modify it and do something as far as prevention goes,” said Rockhold.

She said by modifying and improving diet and lifestyle can decrease an individual’s chances of colon cancer.

Preventative measures also include avoiding smoking and alcohol and implementing daily exercise. She said sedentary lifestyles combined with high-fat, greasy diets and cigarettes can factor into colon cancer.

Rockhold said the main goal with the Strollin’ Colon was to provide a visual tool for patients going through the entrance of the medical center.

“A lot of us are captivated when we see something visual,” she said. “We’re trying to get people to not be afraid to look inside the colon.”

The inflatable exhibit included examples on what a cancerous colon looked like as well as a healthy one. Patients had an opportunity to speak with available medical staff about any questions and concerns they had.

According to Camden Clark, about 1,000 individuals in West Virginia were diagnosed with colorectal cancer each year between 2019-2023. Over 400 West Virginians died from the disease each year.

It was also reported by Camden Clark that more than 90% of colon cancer cases occurred in individuals over 50. Over half of those were diagnosed in the late stages of the disease.

More information is available online at www.camdenclark.org.

Amber Phipps can be reached at aphipps@newsandsentinel.com