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December 8, 2009

The Colon Cancer Alliance today issued a statement regarding a new report signaling a drop in colorectal cancer:

"A recent study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), American Cancer Society (ACS), the National Cancer Institute (NCI), and the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries (NAACCR) highlighting that the death rate from colorectal cancer over the last decade dropped nearly 20 percent and that by 2020 could be cut in half is welcomed news. 

For the past ten years, the Colon Cancer Alliance has worked tirelessly to raise awareness about colorectal cancer screening and survivorship. Colorectal cancer affects 1.2 million Americans with an additional 150,000 people being diagnosed each year. It is the 2nd leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. The CCA encourages everyone ages 50 years and older to reduce their risk for colorectal cancer by getting screened early and regularly -- this is one of the very few cancers that you can stop before it starts by catching precancerous polyps. By doing so, over 80% of all cases can be prevented, virtually helping to eradicate this disease.

The CCA helps hundreds of thousands of people each year through our help line and support networks. We know that survivorship rates will continue to rise as more people become educated about the importance of early screening."

Andrew Spiegel
Chief Executive Officer
Colon Cancer Alliance

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About The Colon Cancer Alliance
The Colon Cancer Alliance (CCA) is a national patient advocacy organization dedicated to ending the suffering caused by colorectal cancer. In order to increase rates of screening and survivorship, the CCA provides patient support, education, research and advocacy across North America.

As the Voice of Survivors, the CCA works as an advocate for colorectal cancer patients and their families. The CCA offers information and support from the first-hand experience of survivors and others whose lives have been touched by this disease.

Each year the CCA provides information and services to hundreds of thousands affected by the disease.

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