SAN ANTONIO — One in 24 people will develop colon cancer in their lifetime, and 75 percent of those diagnosed have no family history of the disease. In fact, it is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths, but no one likes to talk about it.

Not everyone who has colon cancer will have symptoms prior to their diagnosis. Don’t wait for symptoms to occur before getting screened. With early detection and regular screenings starting at age 45, colon cancer is preventable, treatable and beatable.

Here's more about the prevalence of colon cancer in the state of Texas:

• 2026 estimated number of new cases of colon cancer in Texas: 13,310
• 2026 projected number of deaths caused by colon cancer in Texas: 4,750
• Survival rate of colon cancer patients in Texas (all races and ethnicities): 64%
• Texans who are up to date on their colon cancer screening: 62% (target is 70% or higher)
• Screening age was lowered to 45 a few years ago, as more young-onset cases are appearing
• Approximately 20,000 colon cancer cases are diagnosed in patients ages 45 and younger each year (54 cases per day)

Learn more about the signs and symptoms of colon cancer

This year's event

The Colon Cancer Coalition’s signature fundraising event, Get Your Rear in Gear, helps fund local community programs right here in San Antonio.

These programs are designed to raise screening rates, support research, educate the public about the signs and symptoms of the disease, and provide support for patients and caregivers.

This year’s Get Your Rear in Gear fundraising goal is $50,000.

GET YOUR REAR IN GEAR 5K RUN/WALK

DATE: Sunday, April 12, 2026

LOCATION: Mission County Park - 6030 Padre Dr., San Antonio, TX 78214

EVENT SCHEDULE:

• 6:30 AM - Registration & Day of Packet Pick-Up
• 7:15 AM - Opening Ceremony
• 7:55 AM - Kids' Fun Run
• 8:05 AM - 5K Timed Run & Walk
• 9:15 AM - Closing Ceremony: Team, Individual + Runner Awards

ONLINE REGISTRATION: Closes Wednesday, April 8, at 7 a.m.
https://events.crcevents.org/9e9d4bfd79baa467b142

FEES: Adults $40, kids (18 and under) $25, Kids' Fun Run (10 and under) $20, virtual participants $25, colorectal cancer survivors and patients are free.

Join the fight to end colon cancer. Educate yourself about this largely preventable disease with information and resources at coloncancercoalition.org.

This important KENS Cares message is provided by KENS 5 and our sponsors Methodist Healthcare, Raising Cane’s and RBFCU. When it comes to community, KENS Cares!