December 2007 Newsletter
Hello Everyone & Welcome to our December 2007 Newsletter
We are very proud to introduce to you a company that is leading the charge in simple, efficient, screening options. Quidel. One visit. One test. One time. ®
As you know, we work with many fine companies that are engaged in the prevention of Colon Cancer. We have found Quidel to be one of the most focused and charitable companies in the industry to work with. Not only is their product an industry leader, but also their hearts are truly in the right place, and that means a great deal to us.
Why is screening for colorectal cancer important?
- Excluding skin cancers, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in men and in women in the United States. The American Cancer Society estimates that about 112,340 new cases of colon cancer (55,290 men and 57,050 women) and 41,420 new cases of rectal cancer (23,840 men and 17,580 women) will be diagnosed in 2007.1
- Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States and is expected to cause about 52,180 deaths (26,000 men and 26,180 women) during 2007.1
- Less than 40% of all people who should be screened have been.2
- More than one-third of colorectal cancer deaths could be avoided if people over 50 had regular screening tests.3
Who should be screened and when?
The American Cancer Society recommends that beginning at age 50, men and women should be screened regularly for colorectal cancer. People should talk to their doctor about starting colorectal cancer screening earlier and/or undergoing screening more often if they have any of the following colorectal cancer risk factors:1
- A personal history of colorectal cancer or adenomatous polyps.
- A strong family history of colorectal cancer or polyps (cancer or polyps in a first-degree relative [parent, sibling, or child] younger than 60 or in two first-degree relatives of any age).
- A personal history of chronic inflammatory bowel disease.
- A family history of a hereditary colorectal cancer syndrome (familial adenomatous polyposis or hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer).
Despite declines in rates of new cases and deaths from colorectal cancer in African Americans, this cancer is still the third leading cause of death in this group.4 Death rates from colorectal cancer are about 30 percent higher in African Americans than in Caucasians. The American College of Gastroenterology have issued new recommendations to healthcare providers to begin colorectal cancer screening in African Americans at age 45 rather than 50 years.5
What are my screening options?
The American Cancer Society recommends that beginning at age 50, both men and women should follow one of these five testing schedules:1
- Yearly fecal occult blood test (FOBT)6 or fecal immunochemical test (FIT).
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years.
- Yearly FOBT6 (or FIT), plus flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years.7
- Double-contrast barium enema every five years.
- Colonoscopy every 10 years.
All positive tests should be followed up with colonoscopy.
Why ask your doctor for the QuickVue® iFOB test?
- A yearly fecal immunochemical test (FIT) is one of five screening options recommended by the American Cancer Society1
- The FIT is arguably the least invasive test available
- Compared to traditional, Guaiac-based fecal occult blood tests, the QuickVue iFOB test:
- Uses immunochemical technology to detect human blood only. There are no dietary restrictions!
- Requires only one stool sample, not three separate samples on three consecutive days.
- Reduces the “yuck” factor – no more smearing stool onto a card with a wooden stick.
- Has a higher analytical sensitivity, which means the test is more likely to pick up small amounts of blood in the stool.
1American Cancer Society Detailed Guide: Colon and Rectum Cancer What Are the Key Statistics for Colorectal Cancer.
2Smith et al., American Cancer Society Guidelines for the Early Detection of Cancer, 2003. Cancer Journal for Clinicians, 53:27-43.
3Smith et al., American Cancer Society Guidelines for the Early Detection of Cancer, 2001. Cancer Journal for Clinicians, 51:38-75.
4Colorectal Cancer Rates Higher in African Americans, American Cancer Society 4/21/2000.
5New Recommendations by the American College of Gastroenterology Call for Changes in Colorectal Cancer Screening of African Americans.
6For FOBT, the take-home multiple sample method should be used.
7The combination of yearly FOBT or FIT flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years is preferred over either of these options alone.
Remember: One visit. One test. One time. ®
Let's spread the word over the Holidays to family and friends to
Ask your doctor for the QuickVue iFOB test today.
Once again, in this Holiday season we are asking you, our most generous contributors to reach into your hearts and help us fight the fight. Please hold onto your passion and your memories for loved ones lost and support the most aggressive campaign in history to help stop colon cancer and help those battling this disease. Please visit the donations section on our website www.coloncancerfoundation.org to make an online contribution or send your check to Susie's Cause 201 N. Charles St Suite 2404, Baltimore Md.21201. For more information please contact our National office at 410 244 1778. Again thank you for your past support and bless you for your continued support.
Robert Smith
Executive Vice President
Susie's Cause
