UPTOWN — By the end of 2016, the American Cancer Society expects more than 95,000 new cases of colon cancer and another 39,000 new cases of rectal cancer.
While the death rate of colorectal cancer has been dropping for decades, it still is expected to cause more than 49,000 deaths this year. One reason for the decline is "that colorectal polyps are now being found more often by screening and removed before they can develop into cancers or are being found earlier when the disease is easier to treat," according to the American Cancer Society website.
To help bring awareness to the disease, Merideth's Miracles Colon Cancer Foundation will host a 1-mile fun-run "created to increase awareness of colon cancer by having participants cross the finish line where the problem starts — the butt," according to the Reverse Run website.
"Colon cancer is the second deadliest cancer in the U.S. But with early detection, it’s also the most treatable," the website said. "let’s break the ice with laughter and get people talking about the early warning signs."
At 10 a.m. on April 24, the Reverse Run, which is sponsored by Humana, will take place at Cricket Hill at Montrose Beach. Registration for the race costs $10 and includes a T-shirt.
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