Optim Medical Center-Screven invites local media to attend and cover a community colon cancer awareness event designed to help families start conversations and take action on lifesaving screening.
EVENT: Get Your Rear in Gear: From Polyp to Prevention
WHAT: Walk-Through Colon Health Event featuring “Nolan the Colon” inflatable exhibit
WHEN: Wednesday, March 18, 2026 | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
WHERE Optim Medical Center-Screven
Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States, yet it is one of the most preventable cancers with routine screening. Screening now begins at age 45, and younger adults are being diagnosed more frequently.
In Screven County, 10 residents were diagnosed with colon cancer in 2023, and the average age at diagnosis was just 48. This event aims to bring awareness to the community and make it easier for families to learn about screening and connect with care.
Media interview opportunities include:
Susan Lee, Screven County colon cancer survivor, who will share her personal story:
“Listen to your body. As a busy working mom, I almost ignored my lower right belly pain. Optim Medical Center-Screven saved my life. Dr. Morgan and the radiology team diagnosed my stage 3 colon cancer at 46, and Dr. Odom with MetroSurgical was my surgeon. Don’t delay. Get screened at 45.”
Dr. Sidney Morgan and Dr. Prakul Chandra, Optim Primary Care, available to discuss screening guidelines, risk factors, and prevention
Healthcare professionals from HomeTown Health and MetroSurgical discussing colonoscopy and early detection
Community leaders and school partners helping families start conversations about screening
Visual opportunities:
Walk-through inflatable colon “Nolan the Colon” (on loan from City of Hope Atlanta)
Community members and students learning about colon health
Demonstrations including colonoscopy prep tasting and screening education
On-site signups with primary care providers
This free, family-friendly event is designed to make an important but often uncomfortable topic easier to discuss and to encourage screening that can save lives.