SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb., – The “Super Colon,” a giant, inflatable replica of a human colon will be on display at Regional West Medical Center’s Education Center from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on June 17.

The 20-foot long, 12-foot wide and 10-foot high inflatable colon is an unusual and dramatic reminder of the importance of colorectal cancer screening. Visitors who journey through the Super Colon will get a close-up look at healthy tissue, tissue with non-malignant colorectal diseases, and tissue with various stages of colorectal cancer. They will also receive information on colorectal cancer prevention, risks, symptoms and colon cancer treatment options.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends routine colonoscopies for people over the age of 50. However, younger people with other risk factors, such as a family history of colon cancer, polyps or Crohn's disease, should also get routine screenings.

“The Super Colon is a great way for people to learn about their colon as they can actually see what it may look like,” said Paulette Schnell, Community Health Nurse Manager. “With colon cancer being the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States, the Super Colon can provide the information people need to know about a subject they may be uncomfortable talking about.”

The Super Colon will also be on display from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on June 18 at the Festival of Hope in Mitchell. Admission is free for both events. For more information, contact Schnell at 308-630-1650 or by email at Paulette.Schnell@rwhs.org.

Additionally, Regional West’s Community Health office still has free colon cancer screening kits available for Scotts Bluff County residents age 50 to 75 or to those with a close relative who has had colon cancer. Call 308-630-1580 for more information.

Regional West Health Services in Scottsbluff, Neb., is the parent company of Regional West Medical Center, a 182-bed regional referral center and one of three Level II Trauma Centers in the state. As the region’s only tertiary referral medical center, Regional West offers care that spans more than 32 medical specialties provided by over 28 physician clinics. With nearly 300 providers, and over 2,000 employees, Regional West provides comprehensive and innovative health care services for the people of western Nebraska and the neighboring states of Colorado, South Dakota, and Wyoming.