Colon Cancer Alliance

July 8, 2010

The Colon Cancer Alliance Encouraged by Recent Report Citing Rise in Colorectal Cancer Screening Rates

Statement from Andrew Spiegel, Chief Executive Office, Colon Cancer Alliance

"The Colon Cancer Alliance (CCA) is very encouraged by the recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report indicating that since 2002, colon cancer screenings have risen more than ten percent.

It is rewarding to see that the efforts of advocacy groups, like the Colon Cancer Alliance, to educate the public and increase awareness of colon cancer may be having a positive effect on the steady rise in colon cancer screening rates. Unfortunately, 22 million adults over 50 are still not being screened. 1 in 19 Americans will be diagnosed with colon cancer. So, it is vitally important that the Colon Cancer Alliance continue its mission of increasing screening rates through programs and activities such as the Undy 5000 5K events, educational seminars, National Dress in Blue Day, the Stars Go Blue for Colon Cancer, public service announcements and the many patient support programs the CCA offers.

While we are encouraged by the recent data, we are reminded that colon cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer deaths in America and the third most commonly diagnosed cancer. Colon cancer is the most preventable major cancer through screening. We must do anything and everything we can to ensure individuals understand the risk of colon cancer and the importance of getting screened, while supporting programs and legislation to provide patient access to effective and life-saving screening options."

Andrew Spiegel
Chief Executive Officer
Colon Cancer Alliance

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