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[STK]
[IN] HEA
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TO HEALTH, AND NATIONAL EDITORS:
President Declares March 2014 National Colorectal Cancer Awareness
Month
DOWNERS GROVE, Ill., March 3, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The
American College of Gastroenterology (ACG), American
Gastroenterological Association (AGA) and American Society for
Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) applaud President Barack Obama's
Proclamation designating March 2014 as National Colorectal Cancer
Awareness Month.
In the proclamation, the President noted, "The second leading cause of
cancer deaths in the United States, colorectal cancer claims more than
50,000 American lives each year. Because the odds of survival rise
dramatically when this cancer is caught early, calling attention to it
can save lives. During National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, we
aim to improve public understanding of risk factors and screening
recommendations, reach for better treatments, and set our sights on a
cure."
ACG, AGA and ASGE thank Rep. Donald M. Payne, Jr., (D-NJ) for his
efforts in securing this Presidential Proclamation. Rep. Payne has
made it his mission to raise awareness about colorectal cancer after
his father, Congressman Donald M. Payne, Sr., lost his fight with
colorectal cancer in 2012.
Each year more than 136,000 people are diagnosed with colorectal
cancer in the United States. The disease, however, is largely
preventable with regular screening and is treatable with early
detection. Of the more than 50,000 people who died of colorectal
cancer in 2013, screening could have saved more than half of them.
Both men and women should undergo testing for the disease beginning at
age 50. People with a high risk for colorectal cancer and those with a
family history should talk with their doctor about being screened at
an earlier age.
There are many tests to screen for colorectal cancer. While other
screening tests can detect colorectal cancer, colonoscopy is the only
screening test that examines the entire colon and can actually prevent
colorectal cancer because precancerous polyps are removed during the
procedure. A 2012 study in the New England Journal of Medicine showed
a 53 percent decline in deaths for patients who underwent colonoscopy
and had precancerous polyps removed.
Unfortunately, screening rates are too low. A 2013 report from the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that 23 Million
U.S. adults have not had the recommended screenings. The National
Colorectal Roundtable has a goal for 80 percent of adults 50 and over
to get screened by 2018.
The President's Proclamation highlights a profound opportunity to save
lives from this largely preventable disease.
Learn more about colorectal cancer screening at
valueofcolonoscopy.org.
About The Value of Colonoscopy The Value of Colonoscopy: Saving Lives
Through Expert Care is a partnership of the American College of
Gastroenterology, American Gastroenterological Association and
American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. The three
gastroenterology societies have come together to highlight the value
of colonoscopy in detecting and preventing colorectal cancer and the
gastroenterologists who perform this life-saving procedure. The goal
of the initiative is to ensure access to life-saving colorectal cancer
screening procedures while working together to improve the quality and
affordability of health care for all Americans.
About the American College of Gastroenterology Founded in 1932, the
American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) is an organization with an
international membership of more than 12,000 individuals from 80
countries. The College's vision is to be the pre-eminent professional
organization that champions the evolving needs of clinicians in the
delivery of high quality, evidence-based, and compassionate health
care to gastroenterology patients. The mission of the College is to
advance world-class care for patients with gastrointestinal disorders
through excellence, innovation and advocacy in the areas of scientific
investigation, education, prevention and treatment. www.gi.org
About the AGA Institute The American Gastroenterological Association
is the trusted voice of the GI community. Founded in 1897, the AGA has
grown to include 17,000 members from around the globe who are involved
in all aspects of the science, practice and advancement of
gastroenterology. The AGA Institute administers the practice, research
and educational programs of the organization. www.gastro.org/
About the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Since its
founding in 1941, the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
(ASGE) has been dedicated to advancing patient care and digestive
health by promoting excellence and innovation in gastrointestinal
endoscopy. ASGE, with more than 12,000 members worldwide, promotes the
highest standards for endoscopic training and practice, fosters
endoscopic research, recognizes distinguished contributions to
endoscopy, and is the foremost resource for endoscopic education.
Visit www.asge.org and www.screen4coloncancer.org for more information
and to find a qualified doctor in your area.
Media Contacts: Anne-Louise Oliphant, ACG, mediaonly@gi.org Aimee
Frank, AGA, AFrank@gastro.org Anne Brownsey, ASGE, abrownsey@asge.org
SOURCE American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
-0- 03/03/2014
/Web Site: http://www.asge.org
CO: American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
ST: Illinois
IN: HEA
SU: EXE AVO
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