The Rumpshaker 5K is coming: How will you raise awareness for colorectal cancer?
April 24, 2024
Last year, the Colorectal Cancer Alliance celebrated Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in March with the “Don’t Assume” campaign. This powerful slogan was meant to get people thinking and to get them to realize that they can’t assume they are too young to get colon cancer. They can’t assume it won’t happen to them. But we also should not assume that we can’t beat colorectal cancer. We can.
Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in the United States, according to the National Cancer Institute. It is so important to raise awareness about this fact because approximately 50,000 Americans die each year from colorectal cancer. But again, we can’t assume that these deaths are inevitable. Many of them could have been prevented.
So this year, we join the Colorectal Cancer Alliance to challenge assumptions and misconceptions about colorectal cancer. We want to help dispel myths and raise awareness.
Part of our mission to raise awareness is through the Rumpshaker 5K Race in Birmingham. We are proud to be a sponsor of this race that has a funny name but a serious mission to promote awareness about colorectal cancer, raise funds to fight and treat it, and provide hope for colorectal cancer survivors and others affected by the disease.
What you should know about colorectal cancer
The term colorectal cancer describes colon cancer, rectal cancer, or both. The American Cancer Society estimates the number of colorectal cancer cases in the United States in 2020 will be:
- 104,610 new cases of colon cancer
- 43,340 new cases of rectal cancer
Colorectal cancer is expected to cause about 53,200 deaths during 2020, but here are some ways we can start changing perceptions and lowering this number in the future:
- Don’t assume colorectal cancer cannot be treated. Most colorectal cancers develop first as polyps, which are abnormal growths inside the colon or rectum that may later become cancerous if not removed. When discovered early, colorectal cancer is highly treatable. Even if the cancer spreads into nearby lymph nodes, surgical treatment followed by chemotherapy is very effective.
- Don’t assume that getting a colonoscopy will be terrible. Getting regular colonoscopies is the mainstay of colorectal cancer prevention, and the process is probably not nearly as bad as you think.
- Don’t assume colorectal cancer can’t happen to you. Colorectal cancer affects men and women of all racial and ethnic groups and is most often found in people 50 years or older. Schedule your colonoscopy now! We always say, “Take a day and save your life.”
Raising awareness for colorectal cancer: Rumpshaker 5K in Birmingham
The Rumpshaker 5K is the largest free-standing 5K in Alabama, and it has hosted more than 25,000 participants since 2009. The race has raised more than a million dollars over the past 10 years. The event is a fun, family-friendly experience that welcomes runners and walkers of all ages during Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.
When: March 28, 2020
Times: 5K Run/Walk starts @ 8am; 1 Mile Fun Run starts @ 9am
Where: Regions Field -- 1401 1st Ave South, Birmingham, AL 35233
The Rumpshaker began as a tribute to Lisa Martz, a woman who was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer at the age of 48 on June 22, 2004. Her cancer was advanced, which meant that it was not only in her colon but had spread to another organ. However, she was determined to fight, and fight she did. However, her body succumbed to the disease on October 5, 2007.
In honor of her life and many others, it’s hugely important to continue the battle against colon cancer. The race is a way to raise awareness of the disease in an unforgettable, actionable way. Whether it’s by running or walking in the race, observing from the sidelines to cheer on runners, or just reading about it and sharing with others, the Rumpshaker should be a reminder that there are steps we can all take to prevent colorectal cancer and save lives.
Find all the details and sign up for the race on the Rumpshaker website.
Alabama Colon & Rectal Institute is centered around treating diseases of the colon, rectum, and anus
Alabama Colon & Rectal Institute (also known as the “Butt Hutt” around town!) has been in practice since 1990 as a free-standing, private practice located in downtown Birmingham, Alabama. We are known for our efficiency and patient care, in a more relaxed office-based setting. Our doctors are known regionally for their expertise and are active in teaching surgical residents and other physicians. We are also a major sponsor of The Rumpshaker 5K, a race that promotes awareness about colorectal cancer. Check out our website for more information, or give us a call to make an appointment at (205) 458-5000, or email us at [email protected].