Photo courtesy of the Colon Cancer Coalition
A couple decades ago, colorectal cancer was considered an old person’s disease but the National Cancer Institute reports that colorectal cancer is on the rise in young people, with patients in their 40s, 30s and even 20s being diagnosed with the disease. It has become the number 2 cancer killer in the U.S.
The good news is, colorectal cancer is highly preventable and treatable if caught early through colonoscopy screenings. The Colon Cancer Coalition is a non-profit dedicated to funding local efforts to raise awareness, increase screenings, and support colon cancer patients and their families. The organization is excited to bring back its Get Your Rear in Gear 5K to Alexandria on Sunday Oct. 9 after a seven-year hiatus.
The family friendly event will be held at Occoquan Regional Park (9751 Ox Rd.) in Lorton. Along with the timed 5K, there is a kid's Fun Run, followed by music, snacks and runner awards. The race is being organized by volunteer Local Event Director (and colorectal cancer survivor) Cheryl Alston.
Alexandria’s Get Your Rear in Gear 5K will be one among 40 similar events held in communities across the country.
"Coming together as a community is the best part of the Get Your Rear in Gear event," says Colon Cancer Coalition President Chris Evans. "Early detection of colorectal cancer is key to effective treatment of this disease that affects 1 out of 24 people. Get Your Rear in Gear events raise awareness by educating everyone about the symptoms of colorectal cancer, encouraging folks to learn their family health history, and scheduling routine screenings."
Morning of registration starts at 7:30 a.m. with an opening ceremony at 8:30 a.m. before the 5K kicks off at 9 a.m. Find out more about the race and how to participate at donate.coloncancercoalition.org/alexandria.
