Every four minutes someone in the
United States is diagnosed with colorectal cancer, a diagnosis that can be
overwhelming without appropriate information and support. People living
with colorectal cancer now have the opportunity to exchange ideas and
information with experts in the field and fellow patients through an
educational seminar series called "Conversations About Colorectal Cancer."
The program, which launched in 2006, will be hosted in Washington, DC on
Saturday, March 24 at the Georgetown University Conference Center.
The interactive seminar will allow patients to have a dialogue with
thought-leading physicians in the area of colorectal cancer on a range of
topics, from the latest treatment advances with targeted therapies to
managing their side effects. In addition, patients and caregivers will have
the opportunity to listen to, and support one another, in their collective
battle against colorectal cancer.
"This program is an important way for those living with colorectal
cancer to learn more about the nation's second-leading cancer killer," says
Jill Pasqualetto, Colon Cancer Alliance's Voices of DC Chapter Coordinator.
"By encouraging increased dialogue between patients, health care providers
and caregivers, we hope to help patients learn how to successfully continue
their daily activities and ultimately improve their quality of life."
According to a Harris Interactive survey of more than 500 cancer
patients and 300 oncologists, patients who held discussions with their
physicians about cancer topics were more knowledgeable about their
condition than those who did not hold discussions. For example, only 10
percent of patients who did not participate in dialogue with their
physician were knowledgeable about the extent of available treatment
options. In addition, patients who did not have discussions with their
physician were less knowledgeable about the possibility of treatment
delays, infection, impact of low red and white blood cells, and proper
patient education.
This seminar is part of a series of free educational events throughout
the country in 2007. For information about where additional seminars will
be held patients and their loved ones should visit ccalliance. This educational seminar series is funded by an unrestricted educational grant from Amgen.
About Colorectal Cancer
Although more Americans have become aware of colorectal cancer in
recent years, one person still dies of the disease every nine minutes.
Colorectal cancer is the third most diagnosed cancer in the United States.
In fact, one in 18 people in the United States will develop colorectal
cancer in their lifetime, yet if caught early, it is one of the most
curable cancers. The American Cancer Society estimated that 153,760 new
cases of colorectal cancer will be diagnosed in the United States in 2007;
an estimated 52,180 will die from colorectal cancer.
The Colon Cancer Alliance
The Colon Cancer Alliance (CCA) is a national patient advocacy
organization, with chapters located across the country, and the official
patient support partner of Katie Couric's National Colorectal Cancer
Research Alliance (NCCRA). CCA is dedicated to ending the suffering caused
by colorectal cancer. The Colon Cancer Alliance brings the voice of
survivors to battle colon cancer through patient support, education,
research and advocacy. CCA invites any and all organizations, government
agencies, members of the medical community and individuals impacted by this
disease to add their voices by joining CCA in their determination to
eradicate colorectal cancer.
The Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center
The Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of Georgetown University
Medical Center and Georgetown University Hospital, seeks to improve the
diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cancer through innovative basic and
clinical research, patient care, community education and outreach, and the
training of cancer specialists of the future. Lombardi is one of only 39
comprehensive cancer centers in the nation, as designated by the National
Cancer Institute, and the only one in the Washington, DC, area. For more
information, visit lombardi.georgetown.
Colon Cancer Alliance
ccalliance