The Colon Cancer Awareness Foundation is pleased to announce the annual Scope It Out 5K Run/Walk for Colon Cancer Awareness will be held at 9:00 a.m. on March 29, 2009 in downtown Washington D.C. The race is moving to a new, more prominent downtown location at Freedom Plaza (13th and Pennsylvania). The fifth annual event, held during National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, is expected to attract more than 3,500 participants. Also new for 2009 is an online fundraising site.

"We are pleased that Bristol Myers-Squibb is back as title sponsor of the Scope It Out 5K. Their continued commitment underscores their dedication to colon cancer awareness efforts," said race director Julie Clowes. "The purpose of the race is to create a fun and unique setting in which to educate people on colon cancer, debunk myths and encourage cancer screenings. There is still a stigma attached to colon cancer which I think prevents people from talking about this disease. But with support from companies like Bristol Myers-Squibb, we can educate the community on the importance of routine colonoscopies and save more lives."

Colorectal cancer is still one of the leading causes of cancer deaths in the United States, affecting men and women of all races in near equal numbers. According to the National Institute of Health, DC leads the nation with the highest colorectal cancer mortality rate. Colorectal cancer often has no symptoms, and most cases are not hereditary, which is why routine colonoscopies are so important. The colonoscopy is the only test that not only detects colon cancer, but also can prevent it. If detected early, the five-year survival rate is greater than 90%.

"As many as 80% of the 150,000 annual cases of colon cancer could be prevented if only the colonoscopy were as commonly utilized as the mammogram and Pap smear," said Dr. John Marshall, director of developmental therapeutics and GI oncology and associate professor of oncology at Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center. Dr. Marshall is scheduled to speak during the race awards ceremony.

The Scope It Out 5K was started in memory of Charles A. Kraenzle who lost a two-year battle with colorectal cancer in 2002. Since its inception, more than 7,400 people have participated in the race, raising nearly $300,000 that has been donated to the Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Prevent Cancer Foundation, Colon Cancer Alliance, and National Colorectal Cancer Research Alliance for colon cancer research and further colon cancer advocacy. This year's proceeds will be donated to Lombardi and the Colon Cancer Awareness Foundation.

The 2009 national race sponsors include: Bristol-Myers Squibb and Genentech. To register for the race or get more information, visit the race web site.

Online registration or get a printable entry form. Also read last year's race report.