Giant inflatable colons tour Reno, Carson and Las Vegas for Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

It’s not every day one can walk through a giant inflatable colon or snap a photo with a larger than life polyp. That’s the opportunity Nevadans will get March 2-4 as Nevada Cancer Coalition’s giant inflatable colons tour health clinics and hospitals to kick off Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.

The massive inflatable measures 12 feet tall and 10 feet long and is large enough to walk through. It features displays of normal colon tissue, polyps, cancerous polyps, colon cancer, and advanced colon cancer with interpretive signage in English and Spanish. Studies have shown people who tour the colon are more likely to discuss colorectal cancer screening with others and more likely to get screened.

Those planning to get a photo with the colon at one of these stops are encouraged to wear blue for Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and post their photos with #BlueforCRC.

Colon Tour 2026 Schedule:

Monday, March 2:

• 8-9 a.m. Nevada Health Centers Sierra Nevada Health Center, 3325 Research Way, Carson City
• 10-11 a.m. Carson Tahoe Cancer Center, 1535 Medical Parkway (north side of building), Carson City
• 10-11 a.m. UNLV Health, 2724 N. Tenaya Way, Las Vegas

Tuesday, March 3:

• 12:30-1:30 p.m. Community Health Alliance Sparks, 2244 Oddie Blvd., Sparks
• 2-3 p.m. Northern Nevada HOPES, 580 W. 5^th Street, Reno
• 3:30-4:30 p.m. Renown Health Mack Auditorium, use Mill Street entrance to Tahoe Tower

Wednesday, March 4:

• 1-2 p.m. Digestive Health Center of Reno, 5250 Kietzke Lane, Reno

Fewer than two-thirds of Nevadans eligible for colorectal cancer screening are up to date with screening, which can help find cancer earlier when it’s easier to treat. With colonoscopy screening, physicians can actually remove polyps from the colon before they even become cancer.

“Screening for colorectal cancer is vital to reducing cancer deaths in Nevada,” Cari Herington, NCC executive director said. “Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in Nevada, and the majority of colon cancers are found at a late stage, driving home the importance of getting more people screened.”

Adults should talk about their risk for colorectal cancer with their doctor and start screening for colorectal cancer at age 45, or earlier if they are at higher risk. Screening for those at average risk is done with colonoscopy every 10 years or at-home stool test every one to five years based on the test kit.

Nevadans can learn more about screening for colorectal cancer and get connected with screening locations at https://www.nevadacancercoalition.org/colorectal.