Thieves over the weekend made off with a huge inflatable colon which belonged to the University of Kansas Cancer Center.
Kansas City Police investigators are bending over backwards to retrieve the giant organ which is valued at $4,000. Distinguishing marks include tumors, polyps and hemorrhoids.
“Colorectal cancer screening is the most powerful weapon we have against colorectal cancer,” John Ashcraft, DO, surgical oncologist at The University of Kansas Cancer Center said. Ashcraft is also co-leader of the cancer prevention and survivorship research program. “Colon cancer is a tough subject for many to talk about and the giant, 150 pound, ten foot long inflatable colon is a great conversation starter.”
The Cancer Coalition owns the inflatable colon. The organization hosts walk and run events for a campaign called “Get Your Rear In Gear.”
The organization makes the display available for health education and ships the inflatable organ across the country for the events. The hospital says it was on its way the 5K which was scheduled to start at 9:00 a.m. at Swope Park when it was stolen.
While use of the display may temporarily be down the toilet, colorectal screening education is expected to continue.
Authorities ask the public to call the Kansas City Police with any information regarding the stolen colon and, of course, to get regular colonoscopies.