Baton Rouge, it’s time to “Get Your Rear in Gear!”

Baton Rouge residents are invited to raise colorectal cancer awareness at the annual colon cancer 5K run/walk on Saturday, April 9 at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center lakes. The 5K race begins at 9:00 AM.

The public is invited and encouraged to organize teams to participate in this family-friendly exercise fundraiser. 75% of all proceeds remain in the Baton Rouge community and benefit colon cancer care and education. Pre-registration is $20 per adult and $12 per child and includes race participation and admission to the celebration which includes live music and food. Participants can register at the Get Your Rear in Gear website.

Colorectal cancer is one of the most curable and preventable cancers today, yet it’s the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. While advances in treating colon cancer continue to grow, the single most significant advancement is still early detection, which includes colonoscopies.

“Get Your Rear in Gear” is sponsored by the city’s leading medical community which includes the Digestive Health Center of Baton Rouge, the Cancer Program of Our Lady of the Lake and Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center, Woman’s Hospital, the Baton Rouge General Pennington Cancer Center, The Baton Rouge Clinic, and Amedisys. Additional lead sponsors are Karnival Krewe de Louisiane, Stop Colon Cancer-Now.com, Myriad, the Healing Place Church, and Baton Rouge Coca-Cola.

Who is at risk for colorectal cancer?

• Men and women over the age of 50.
• People of African American and Hispanic descent.
• People with a personal or family history of benign colorectal polyps.
• People with a personal or family history of colorectal cancer.
• People with a personal or family history of inflammatory bowel disease such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s.
• People with a personal or family history of ovarian, endometrial or breast cancer.

How can you prevent colon cancer?

• Regular colorectal cancer screenings beginning at age 50, or earlier if you have a personal or family history.
• Eat between 25-30 grams of fiber each day from fruits, vegetables, whole grain bread, nuts and beans.
• Eat a low-fat diet.
• Eat foods with folate such as leafy green vegetables.
• Drink in moderation and do not smoke. In combination, these are linked to colorectal cancers.
• Exercise for at least 20 minutes three to four days each week.