Dr. Tom Brien sometimes goes under another name: Captain Colon.
A gastrointestinal pathologist at Memorial Hospital for almost seven years, he said he dresses up as Captain Colon to engage in the community with humor, but also to start conversations about colon cancer.
"I am very passionate about educating the medical community and the wider population about the risks of colon cancer and the importance of screening. It is a very deadly but preventable disease," he said.
To help spread that message, the Greater Chattanooga Colon Cancer Foundation is hosting its annual Rump Run Saturday, March 11 at Enterprise South Nature Park. The Rump Run is a timed 5k and 1-mile fun run/walk, and all proceeds stay local to support outreach and education efforts in the Chattanooga area.
"The event aims to raise awareness of the importance of colon cancer screening and early detection - and emphasize the fact that colon cancer is treatable and beatable if caught early," said Brien, president of the foundation.
Some locals may have seen billboards around town showing celebrities who are over age 50 and have had a colonoscopy with the message, "Colonoscopies Save Lives." These billboards are produced by the foundation, which also participates in health fairs and community meetings, as well as facilitates screenings for the uninsured through Project Access, a charity which offers access to health care for low-income, uninsured citizens of Chattanooga.
"The biggest thing about screening - it's nothing to be afraid of or dread," Brien said.
According to the Tennessee Department of Health, colorectal cancer was the fourth most common cancer diagnosis for men and women combined in the state from 2003 to 2012. The disease was also the second leading cause of cancer related deaths during those years.
Brien said he can't stress enough the importance of getting a screening for anyone 50 or older, and if there is a significant history of colon cancer in a family, it may be wise to get a screening earlier.
There are many types of screenings, he added. A doctor can help determine which type of screening is best.
To register for the Rump Run, visit rumprun.com by March 10 or come to Enterprise South Nature Park on race day and register beginning at 7:30 a.m. The timed 5k begins at 9 a.m., followed by the walk at 9:30 a.m.
Registration costs $30 online and $40 on the day of the event. Children age 10 and under can participate for $10.
"Colon cancer survivors are invited to attend the event at no charge and will receive recognition during a special ceremony as port of the morning's festivities," Brien said.
Volunteers are also needed to help in the success of the event. Those interested can call 757-0703.