Help ASGE Catch a Killer - Send a Colorectal Cancer Screening e-Card!

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

Oak Brook, Ill., March 1, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE), which represents the experts in colorectal cancer screening, is asking for your help in stopping this deadly disease. Log on to the ASGE's colorectal cancer awareness website www.screen4coloncancer.org and send an e-Card screening reminder to your friends, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, neighbors or anyone you know who is age 50 and over, or who has a family history of the disease.  The ASGE is on a mission to save lives and has set a goal to send 5,000 e-Cards during the month of March to raise awareness.

The ASGE has created two new e-Cards this year that remind the recipient to get screened and contain basic facts about colorectal cancer prevention. Each e-Card can be personalized by the sender.

Colorectal cancer, also referred to as colon cancer, is one of the most preventable cancers because the majority of colorectal cancers arise from precancerous growths in the colon called polyps, which can be found during a screening exam and removed before they turn into cancer. Colorectal cancer is considered a silent killer because often there are no symptoms until it is too late to treat. Age is the single most important risk factor for the disease, so even people who lead a healthy lifestyle can still develop polyps and cancer.  Both men and women are affected by colorectal cancer equally. The ASGE recommends screening begin at age 50; sooner if there is a family history of polyps, colorectal cancer or other risk factors. Some experts suggest African-Americans should begin screening at age 45.

Colonoscopy is considered the preferred screening test because it is a preventive exam: it is the only test that both finds and removes precancerous polyps during the same exam.  A person at average risk with normal colonoscopy results won't need another exam for 10 years. Should a polyp or cancer be found, screening intervals may be more frequent. Talk to you doctor about an appropriate screening schedule and which screening option is best for you.

For more information on colorectal cancer prevention and to find a doctor, log on to www.screen4coloncancer.org. The site offers visitors a wealth of vital information including facts about colorectal cancer, screening options, what to expect during a colonoscopy, answers to frequently asked questions, the latest news about colorectal cancer, such as studies and statistics, links to patient support and advocacy groups, educational videos, and e-Cards.

Join ASGE's "Peter and Polly Polyp" Facebook page and spread the word to your friends about colorectal cancer prevention. Colorectal cancer is preventable, treatable and beatable!

About the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

Since its founding in 1941, the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) has been dedicated to advancing patient care and digestive health by promoting excellence in gastrointestinal endoscopy. ASGE, with nearly 12,000 members worldwide, promotes the highest standards for endoscopic training and practice, fosters endoscopic research, recognizes distinguished contributions to endoscopy, and is the foremost resource for endoscopic education. Visit www.asge.org and www.screen4coloncancer.org for more information and to find a qualified doctor in your area.

About Endoscopy

Endoscopy is performed by specially-trained physicians called endoscopists using the most current technology to diagnose and treat diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Using flexible, thin tubes called endoscopes, endoscopists are able to access the human digestive tract without incisions via natural orifices. Endoscopes are designed with high-intensity lighting and fitted with precision devices that allow viewing and treatment of the gastrointestinal system.

SOURCE American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy