Blue Ash 5K at Summit Park promotes colon cancer screening

A 5K run and walk promoting colon cancer screening comes to Summit Park in Blue Ash on Saturday, Oct. 10.

The Colon Cancer Coalition's annual "Get Your Rear in Gear" event features a timed run, an untimed walk and a kids' fun run. Colorectal cancer is now the leading cause of cancer death in Americans under 50, according to the American Cancer Society. An ACS study published Jan. 22 found colorectal cancer mortality rose 1.1% per year since 2005 among younger adults, even as overall cancer deaths in that age group fell 44% from 1990 to 2023.

Sev Friskney, a nurse and rectal cancer survivor, told Local 12 she ignored gastrointestinal symptoms more than 20 years ago. By the time she sought treatment, she had rectal cancer. After radiation, chemotherapy and surgery, she has been cancer-free for 21 years.

"The money that is raised in that event goes to local organizations and screening opportunities and education," Friskney said.

The American Cancer Society recommends everyone at average risk begin colonoscopy screening at age 45. Dr. Andrew Chun, a gastroenterologist with Gastro Health, said colonoscopy is the only screening test that can also prevent colon cancer by removing polyps before they become dangerous.

Dr. Cory Barrat, a colorectal surgeon with Mercy Health, said he sees patients who delay getting checked after noticing rectal bleeding. Barrat said that is the most common symptom, but many patients show no signs until later stages.

A separate ACS report published March 2 estimated 158,850 new colorectal cancer cases and 55,230 deaths in the U.S. in 2026. Nearly half of new cases now occur in adults under 65, up from 27% in 1995. Among adults ages 45 to 49 who are eligible for screening, only 37% have been screened.

The 5K event at 4335 Glendale Milford Rd. opens with day-of registration and packet pickup at 7:30 a.m. An opening ceremony starts at 8:30 a.m., followed by the kids' fun run at 8:50 a.m. and the timed 5K run and untimed walk at 9 a.m. A closing ceremony with runner awards wraps up at 10:15 a.m.

Online registration closed Tuesday, Oct. 6. Day-of registration costs $40 for adults, $25 for youth 18 and under, and $20 for the kids' fun run for children 10 and under.