National Colon Cancer Screening Day Targets First-Time Patients

NASHVILLE, Tenn., March 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- StopColonCancerNow.com is leading a nationwide effort to screen 1,000 "first-timers" for colon cancer during National Colon Cancer Screening Day on Thursday, March 8.

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As part of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, the campaign urges all first-time patients to complete or schedule a colonoscopy on March 8. A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine provides what researchers are calling the best evidence yet that colonoscopies prevent people from dying from colon cancer.  The study shows that the colon cancer death rate was cut by more than half in those who had a colonoscopy.

"When detected and treated in its earliest stage, colon cancer is 90 percent curable, yet almost 40 percent of Americans at risk for colon cancer are not getting screened," said Dr. John Popp, Medical Advisor, StopColonCancerNow.com. "By designating a national screening day, we hope to raise awareness among first-time patients and break down the barriers associated with the procedure. Many people procrastinate but the message is clear -- a colonoscopy can save your life." 

Those who are at a higher risk for colon cancer include: anyone over the age of 50, African-Americans who are 45 years of age and over and those who have a family history of polyps or colon cancer. 

There is no better test, no better time to help in the fight against cancer. Precancerous polyps can be detected and removed before they develop into cancer, making a colonoscopy the only test that allows both diagnosis and treatment at the same time. Colonoscopy can also find cancer at its earliest stage, when treatment works best. 

For more information and to schedule a colonoscopy, visit www.StopColonCancerNow.com.

About StopColonCancerNow.com
StopColonCancerNow.com is a community of more than 700 physicians who have joined forces to promote education and awareness about colon cancer screening and prevention. AmSurg, provider of approximately one in every 10 colonoscopies in the United States, launched the campaign in 2009 as part of its commitment to provide the highest level of care and information to people at risk for colon cancer. For more information on colon cancer and the importance of screening, visit www.StopColonCancerNow.com.

Related Link:
www.stopcoloncancernow.com

Media Contact:
Jill Meyer
615-780-3397

SOURCE StopColonCancerNow.com