A 10-foot, 150-pound inflatable model colon is missing, according to the University of Kansas Cancer Center.
The inflatable colon was last seen in the back of a pickup truck in Brookside neighborhood of Kansas City, Missouri, according to a KU center spokesman. It is believed to have been stolen.
The inflatable colon, used to demonstrate the danger of colon cancer, is worth $4,000, according to the spokesman.
“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, 10-foot long inflatable colon is a great conversation starter.”
The inflatable colon is owned by the Cancer Coalition, which holds walk-run events.
The inflatable colon was on its way to the annual Sister’s Living Beyond Breast Cancer 5K Relay Walk scheduled for 9 a.m. Saturday at Swope Park when it disappeared. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Kansas City Police Department, http://kcmo.gov/police/thank-an-officer/#.W8opS1VKiUl.