Local Physician Campaigns for Colon Cancer Awareness Month

Colon cancer is nearly 100 percent preventable. Early detection is key, which is why Carilion Internal Medicine Resident Physcian Lindsey Bierle, D.O., is so passionate about educating patients early and often.

Dr. Bierle's father, Dr. Michael Bierle, was diagnosed with colon cancer while she was still in medical school, passing away one year later. In memory of her father, Dr. Bierle leads annual efforts to promote colonoscopy screenings and colon health as part of Colon Cancer Awareness Month every March. March also happens to her father's birth month. 

“The goals are to increase public awareness of the importance of colonoscopy screenings and increase the number of referrals we make for people who need to be screened,” said Dr. Bierle. “I’ve been personally motivated to both honor my dad and support others who are dealing with the same illness and am excited to host education events around the cause.”

This year, there are several opportunities for the public to participate.

First and foremost, if you are 45 or over, talk with your primary care provider about scheduling your colonoscopy. It's quick and painless and the 25-minute procedure is generally good for ten years.

Second, there are several event opportunities to learn more about colon health: 

• Virtual 5K Colon Crawl: March 1 through March 5, commit to walking, running, or biking a 5K (3.1 miles) as part of the annual Colon Crawl. Post your accomplishment on social media with the following hashtags: #carilioncoloncrawl #saygoodbierletocoloncancer
• "Can We Talk?" with Hitting Cancer Below the Belt: Wednesday, March 3 from 12:00 to 3:00 pm, Hitting Cancer Below the Belt will be outside the Fralin Building on the Riverside complex with their 10-foot inflatable colon to facilitate discussions about colon cancer awareness with Carilion staff and visitors.