We’re thrilled to partner with Ferring Pharmaceuticals and sportscaster Bob Papa in the national Take a Stand Against Colon Cancer campaign, aimed at encouraging the last of the Baby Boomer generation, born in 1964, to take a pledge and complete a screening colonoscopy to mark their 50th birthdays.
The Partnership
The year-long campaign is designed to encourage people age 50 (and younger for higher risk patients) to take an active part in managing their colon health. The campaign’s call-to-action urges Baby Boomers to start a dialogue with their healthcare provider and educate themselves about the benefits of getting screened, and to ultimately celebrate their health by getting checked for colon cancer.
Bob Papa, the voice of the New York Giants, became an advocate for screening after learning colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in men and women combined, despite being one of the most preventable cancers. He recently turned 50 and was proactive about his own health by promptly scheduling his appointment and getting a colonoscopy.
“Let’s face it, no one looks forward to getting a colonoscopy, but I knew I was turning 50 this year and my doctor advised that this was a procedure I needed to have done,” says Papa. “Like everyone else, I heard terrible stories about how the prep is the hardest part and admit I was a bit scared, but now that I’ve gone through it, I can genuinely say my experience was easy. My doctor said he doesn’t have to see me for five years, but he also said the prep worked well, and gave him the clear view he needed! So now I tell everyone: don’t wait on that colonoscopy, because early detection can potentially save your life.”
Although colonoscopy has shown to lower the risk of colon cancer-related deaths, only one in three Americans between the ages of 50 and 75 have undergone this procedure.
“For 15 years, the Colon Cancer Alliance has been focused on getting people screened for this largely preventable cancer and providing innovative patient empowerment services. We are pleased to work with Ferring and Bob Papa on this effort to help educate and remove barriers associated with getting a colonoscopy, including helping people get over the fear associated with the prep,” says Eric Hargis, CEO of the Colon Cancer Alliance. “It is far scarier to get a cancer diagnosis, and we hope the proactive and preventive message of this campaign motivates people to get to the doctor and take control of their colon health by getting checked.”
You Can Help
Join this effort! Take the pledge to get screened and encourage loved ones 50+, and younger for those at higher risk, to do the same. For every pledge taken and shared and e-card sent, Ferring Pharmaceuticals will donate $5 to our lifesaving mission (up to $10,000). Take the pledge at takeastandagainstcrc.com.