March 19, 2005
“Roots of Support” Tree-Dedication Ceremony Honors People Confronting Colorectal Cancer
Los Angeles, Calif., March 19, 2005 — The Colon Cancer Alliance (CCA) today joined with nine-time Olympic medalist Dara Torres to bring Roots of Support in Colorectal Cancer, an educational initiative developed by the CCA to underscore the importance of teamwork in fighting the disease, to the University of Southern California/Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center and Hospital. Torres joined with physicians from USC/Norris and members of the CCA to dedicate a tree symbolizing the strength and resilience of families affected by colorectal cancer, the growth of knowledge in disease research and treatment, and hope for the future.
The Roots of Support in Colorectal Cancer tree-dedication ceremony took place during USC/Norris’ 6th Annual Colorectal Cancer Awareness Day Reception, held each year during National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. The event provides patients and their loved ones with the opportunity to interact with others affected by the disease and to talk one-on-one with experts in oncology and disease management.
“The annual reception is an excellent occasion for colorectal cancer patients and their families and friends to meet with our center’s physicians and staff in an informal setting,” said Heinz-Josef Lenz, MD, associate professor of medicine/oncology, USC Keck School of Medicine and associate director, USC/Norris Gastrointestinal Oncology Program. “In this way, we all get to know each other better and work toward making the USC/Norris Colorectal Cancer Center the leading center not only in clinical and basic research in colorectal diseases, but also in community education.”
Dara Torres, a former Olympic swimmer and the daughter of a colorectal cancer survivor, has partnered with CCA on the Roots of Support in Colorectal Cancer program to educate patients and their loved ones about building a personalized network of support that incorporates people from all aspects of their lives.
“After my dad was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2001, I learned that everyone around him had a unique role to play in helping him confront his disease,” said Torres. “Teamwork among physicians, friends, family, and even coworkers can make a huge difference in lifting the spirits of someone battling cancer.”
“This ceremony is an opportunity for survivors to remember that we are not alone and to recognize the people who help us in ways both great and small as we face this disease,” said Colon Cancer Alliance member and stage IV colorectal cancer survivor Lisa Dubow of Los Angeles. “It should also help us remember to encourage all those we love to be screened for this disease, because colorectal cancer is preventable, and screening saves lives.”
About Roots of Support in Colorectal Cancer
The Roots of Support in Colorectal Cancer program was created to provide
patients and caregivers with the tools and encouragement they need to build
a personal network of support. In addition to tree-dedication ceremonies
taking place at leading cancer centers across the country, the program
offers informative guides for patients and their loved ones at these events
and online. To download and/or order these brochures free of charge, view
photos from past tree-dedication ceremonies, or learn more about Roots
of Support in Colorectal Cancer, visit http://www.ccalliance.org/roots or call (877) 422-2030.
Roots of Support in Colorectal Cancer is made possible through the generosity
of Bristol-Myers Squibb Company and ImClone Systems Incorporated.
About Colorectal Cancer
According to the CCA, colorectal cancer includes cancers of the
colon, rectum, appendix and anus. When abnormal cell growth occurs, a tumor
develops.
If the cells of a tumor acquire the ability to invade and thus spread into
the intestinal wall and to other sites, a malignant or cancerous tumor
develops. Most colorectal cancers develop first as colorectal polyps, which
are growths inside the colon or rectum that may later become cancerous.
Regular screenings, which can detect these precancerous growths, are recommended
for people over age 50 or with a family history of the disease.
In 2005, an estimated 145,000 new cases of colorectal cancer will be diagnosed, making it the second-most common cancer in men and women in the U.S., and more than 56,000 Americans will die from the disease. Colorectal cancer is the fourth-leading cancer in California, after prostate, breast and lung, but it is the second-leading cancer killer in the state.
About Dara Torres
Dara Torres is the first American to swim in four Olympics (1984, 1988,
1992 and 2000) and the second-most decorated U.S. female Olympian, with
nine Olympic
medals. Dara also served as an NBC correspondent for the 2004 Summer
Olympics in Athens, Greece.
About the Colon Cancer Alliance
The Colon Cancer Alliance (CCA) is a 501(c)(3) national nonprofit
patient advocacy organization dedicated to ending the suffering caused by
colorectal
cancer. The Colon Cancer Alliance brings the voice of survivors to battle
colorectal cancer through patient support, education, research and advocacy.
Today, CCA has over 15,000 members, including colon and rectal cancer survivors,
their families, caregivers, people genetically predisposed to the disease
and the medical community. Visit http://www.ccalliance.org or email info@ccalliance.org
or call 1-877-422-2030 for more information.
About USC/Norris Comprehensive
Cancer Center and Hospital
One of the few facilities in the Pacific Southwest built exclusively for
cancer research and patient care, the USC/Norris Cancer Hospital provides
the patient care component of the USC/Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center,
one of a select number of centers in the country designated by the National
Cancer Institute as a Comprehensive Cancer Center. Located on the University
of Southern California’s Health Sciences campus, this exceptional designation
identifies USC/Norris as a leader in cancer treatment, research, prevention
and education. The faculty physicians of the Keck School of Medicine of the
University of Southern California staff the hospital. To learn more about
USC/Norris Cancer Hospital, visit http://www.norriscancerhospital.com or
call 1-800-USC-CARE.
Roots of Support in CRC is made possible through the generosity of Bristol-Myers Squibb Company and ImClone Systems Incorporated. Copyright © 2005. All rights reserved.
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