Editor’s note: Husker Harvest Days is Sept. 10-12 in Grand Island, Neb. Visit HuskerHarvestDays.com.

Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in Nebraska. To draw attention to the need for screening and prevention, the Nebraska Cancer Coalition is bringing a 12-foot-tall inflatable colon to Husker Harvest Days.

Visitors will be able to walk through the 10-by-10-by-12-foot model of the human colon to learn about maintaining its health.

“Cancer does not discriminate from those who live in a city or small town,” says Matt Jungmann, national events director for Farm Progress. “Husker Harvest Days is proud to offer prevention information and screenings from organizations like the Nebraska Cancer Coalition to farmers and ranchers in rural America.”

This marks NC2’s second time at Husker Harvest Days, aiming to raise awareness about several types of cancer prevention and screening initiatives, according to Laura Schabloske, NC2 executive director. She says cancer checks; blood draws for prostate cancer screening; and information on breast, colorectal, lung, skin and prostate cancers will be available.

“There are many oncology deserts in our state where you have to drive many miles to receive care,” Schabloske says. “That’s why this exhibit at Husker Harvest Days is so important. We are bringing awareness and education to farmers and ranchers.” To care for their fields and livestock, they “must prioritize their own health. Early detection through screenings significantly improves survival rates.”