More than 6,500 Niagara residents got up close and personal Jan. 22 and 23 when they took a tour of a 40-foot long giant colon. This giant walk-through exhibit was brought to the Pen Centre by ColonCancerCheck to help raise awareness about the importance of screening for colorectal cancer among Ontarians aged 50 and over. The multimedia exhibit is travelling across Ontario this winter and is a one-of-a-kind adventure to explore all the features of a colon, while learning more about how to keep healthy and reduce the risk of developing colorectal cancer. Niagara Health System and Niagara Region Public Health clinical experts and volunteers were on hand to provide health information and hand-outs.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony launched the creative exhibit Jan. 22, when about 100 people gathered to hear from local leaders on the importance of colorectal screening and the services available to them in Niagara. Pictured cutting the ribbon are speakers, from left: MPP Jim Bradley, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; Joe Hrechanyk, Colorectal cancer survivor and Welland resident; Debbie Sevenpifer, CEO, Niagara Health System; Dr. Andrea Feller, Associate Medical Officer of Health, Niagara Region Public Health; Dr. Janice Giesbrecht, Niagara Medical Oncologist; and Dr. Jeff Cranford, Regional Chief of Surgical Services, Niagara Health System.
For more information, contact
Caroline Bourque Wiley
Consultant, Public Affairs
905-378-4647, ext. 43113
cwiley@niagarahealth.on.ca
