To recognize National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, Kaiser Permanente has brought back their ‘Super Colon’, a 10-foot tall inflatable exhibit designed to educate people on the importance of colon cancer screenings.

Dr. Carlos Rodriguez is Chief of Gastroenterology for Kaiser in Kern County and he says once you hit age 45, a colonoscopy  is the best way to detect potential cancerous growths early. He says if detected early, the 5-year survival rate is 90% for colon cancer. Dr. Rodriguez adds that survival rate falls to 15% if caught late. Colon cancer is the third most common cancer in the country and second most common cause of cancer deaths nationwide. Rodriguez adds colon cancer screening are recommended beginning at age 45 for both men and women.

The ‘Super Colon’ will travel between the Kaiser offices on Ming Avenue and Stockdale Highway between now and the end of the month.