(Editorial - Graphic Illustration - MetroCreativeConnection)

If the sight of a giant inflatable colon catches you off guard, good. Perhaps the image will stick and serve as a reminder to keep up with colon cancer (and other) screenings.

WVU Medicine Camden Clark Medical Center is using the prop to help raise awareness about colon cancer and colon health, and encourage them to ask questions in an atmosphere that is perhaps a little less daunting than the doctor’s office.

The “Strollin’ Colon” is hard to ignore. Colon health is nothing to ignore, either.

“Everybody, regardless of family history, should start screening for colon cancer at the age of 45,” said WVU Cancer Institute Nurse Practitioner Jo Rockhold. “Or if you’re having symptoms.”

It’s nothing to be embarrassed about or afraid of. In fact, there are a variety of screening options — including some that are non-invasive. Once you and your doctor pick the right one for you, do not hesitate to get it done.

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

If an unusual visual tool can help inspire people to catch a problem and get treatment early, then WVU Medicine has knocked it out of the park with this one.

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

WVU Medicine reports approximately 1,000 West Virginians were diagnosed with colorectal cancer EACH YEAR between 2019 and 2023. More than 400 Mountain State residents die from it each year. THAT is scary.

Don’t be afraid to get screened for colon or other health conditions your doctor can help you get ahead of.