Chattanooga's 'Rump Run' returns, Colon Cancer survivor pushes testing
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn — With March being National Colorectal Cancer Awareness month, Chattanooga doctors are warning young adults of a health trend that's on the rise.
Colon cancer is on the rise in Americans as young as 20 years old.
There is an urgent need for those 45+ to get colonoscopies.
Dr. Shauna Lorenzo-Rivero and Margaret Thompson struck a true bond through survival.
7 years ago Dr. Rivero told Margaret she was diagnosed with colon cancer.
“It was just shock. I thought was I dying. Am I gonna die?” says 7- year Colon Cancer survivor, Margaret Thompson.
Dr. Lorenzo-Rivero, a colorectal surgeon with University Surgical Associates was able to treat Margaret, but for some it is too late.
Although it`s known as a silent killer, this kind of cancer is highly preventable.
Spreading awareness locally is the Greater Chattanooga Colon Cancer Foundation's goal. They group will host an upcoming fundraiser in support of those affected.
The event is called 'RUMP RUN'. It is a family-friendly timed 5K and 1-mile fun walk.
Funds from the run will go to community awareness, advance research, treatment, and preventative care for colon cancer.
Dr. Shauna Lorenzo-Rivero, describes this race as very important.
We do it for several reasons. 1 is to get the message across, it's to prevent colon cancer, but we also have lots of survivors of colon cancer so it's to celebrate their survivorship, and all of the funds we make are used to prevent colon cancer for those who can't afford it"
Dr. Rivero says Hamilton County has one of the highest colon cancer rates in the country
Alarming studies have found that there has been an increase in colon cancer cases among younger groups
Yale Medicine doctors now warn that people as young as age 20 need to be on the lookout for warning signs, and it is now recommended that adults 45+ get screened.
“Now that it’s a younger age, you need to get screened because the alternative is a lot worse!" says Thompson.
The 'RUMP RUN' will be held on Saturday March 25th at Enterprise South Nature Park in Chattanooga.
For those interested in participating, registration is open.
You can sign up online through the 'RUMPRUN' website.
