Pharmacia Joins American Cancer Society's Nationwide Colon Cancer Initiative

American Cancer Society
Wednesday, 28 February 2001

The American Cancer Society, the nation's leading voluntary health organization, is receiving support from the Pharmacia Corporation in effort to help dramatically reduce the incidence and death rates associated with colon cancer. Colon cancer is the third most prevalent cancer diagnosed annually in both men and women in the United States. The American Cancer Society, aided by the significant human and financial resources of Pharmacia, hopes to educate more Americans about the importance of colon cancer testing. Colon cancer is the second deadliest cancer, according to the official statistics issued annually in the American Cancer Society's Cancer Facts & Figures publication. Yet, colon cancer – if detected early - is almost always curable. The American Cancer Society has targeted colon cancer as a top priority.

Both the American Cancer Society and Pharmacia believe that recent treatment advances, as well as the number of clinical trials now available to people with all stages of the disease, are reasons to hope—hope that the tide is turning in the fight against colon cancer.

"The opportunity to save lives through simple testing is enormous," said Harmon J. Eyre, MD, American Cancer Society Chief Medical Officer. "Today, only one-third of colon cancers are detected at the earliest stage, while only one in four adults over the age of 50 have been tested recently for the disease. And while 72 percent of older adults admit being aware of colorectal cancer, fewer than 30 percent are aware that the disease can be detected early. An additional 30 percent don't even know colon cancer testing is available."

Pharmacia Oncology, a division of Pharmacia Corporation, along with the Pharmacia Foundation, have agreed to contribute $5 million over a three-year period to assist the American Cancer Society in a comprehensive public awareness program designed to improve awareness of early detection options, reach out to the health care provider community and to help enact legislation that ensures more Americans have access to colon cancer testing. That program includes nationwide advertising promoting early detection. The Society's "Things To Do Now That I'm 50" campaign features a blend of humor and common sense, showcasing a mix of celebrities such as basketball hall-of-famer Julius "Dr. J." Erving and fashion designer Vera Wang, along with "real" people like California helicopter pilot Jim Ybarra. All have actually been tested for colon cancer.

"We must motivate people to act, get tested, and to learn about exciting recent advances," said Gabe Leung, Group Vice President, Global Oncology Franchise, Pharmacia Oncology.

"Our goal at Pharmacia, which we share with the American Cancer Society and with hundreds of thousands of people touched by colon cancer across the country, is to save lives and reduce suffering. The prevention and treatment of colorectal cancer requires that education, access and coverage be available to all."

The print ads, which were pilot-tested last year, will hit the newsstands in time for March – National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month – in many of the leading publications. The ads are intended for men and women, age 50 and over. American Cancer Society guidelines recommend that people of average risk begin regular testing for colon cancer starting at age 50. "The American Cancer Society estimates that this year more than 130,000 people will be newly diagnosed with colon cancer," says Dr. Eyre. "Another 56,000 will die needlessly from the disease, which if detected early, is almost always curable."

The awareness strategy aims to extend the "get tested for colon cancer" message. In addition to the ads, the program includes public education, clinical peer-to-peer communication and community-based outreach activities.

Pharmacia Corporation, headquartered in Peapack, New Jersey, is a global pharmaceutical and health care corporation created through the merger of Pharmacia & Upjohn and the Monsanto Company. Widely regarded as the country's fastest-growing oncology pharmaceutical business with an impressive arsenal of cancer therapies, Pharmacia Oncology plans to use its national field representatives to build greater awareness of colon cancer testing guidelines and clinical trials.

The American Cancer Society is the nationwide community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives and diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy, and service.

For more information, or to contact American Cancer Society, see their website at: www.cancer.org