Don't miss out on a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to crawl through the Colossal Colon when it comes to a city near you in 2003. The 40-ft. long replica of the human colon is on the road, courtesy of the Cancer Research and Prevention Foundation, to raise awareness of early detection and prevention of colorectal cancer.

The Foundation, along with 50 collaborating partner organizations, will take the "Check Your Insides Out for Colorectal Cancer" Tour across America from February 2003 to November 2003

Visitors who crawl through the 4-ft. wide colon or look through the viewing windows will see healthy colon tissue, Crohn's disease, diverticulosis, ulcerative colitis, polyps and various stages of colon cancer. The Colossal Colon was modeled after real colonoscopy video footage.

The Colossal Colon is accompanied by an array of interactive stations with educational games. Increase your knowledge of colorectal cancer facts and win prizes! At the end of the Colossal Colon experience, you make a pledge to talk with your family, friends and doctor about the disease, not just about crawling through the colon....

The Colossal Colon was conceived by Molly McMaster, a 26-year old colon cancer survivor, and created with support from the clinical and educational staff of the C.R. Wood Cancer Center, Glens Falls Hospital, Glens Falls, NY. The colon is dedicated to Molly's friend, Amanda Sherwood Roberts, who lost her battle with colon cancer at age 27. It was designed and built by Adirondack Scenic Inc., a custom design and fabrication company. The tour was made possible through a grant by Roche.

The Colossal Colon is the latest and most extreme example of a tradition of health awareness campaigns employing gargantuan organs -- including walk-thru hearts, monolithic teeth, and looming bloodshot eyeballs.

November 2004: The Check Your Insides Out Tour continues zig-zagging across the US, setting up at cancer centers and county fairs. Added attractions: "Listen to lungs 'talk' about lung cancer facts to share tips about cancer prevention." and "Look inside a large mouth to get the scoop on oral cancer prevention."

[12/15/2002]