Salix Pharmaceuticals, Ltd. (NASDAQ:SLXP), in partnership with the Colon Cancer Alliance (CCA), is proud to announce the availability of Colonoscopy For Dummies®. Colonoscopy For Dummies is a free, easy-to-read resource to help educate the public about what to expect when preparing for and undergoing a colonoscopy. Colonoscopy For Dummies is designed to help clarify common misconceptions about colonoscopies, and Salix is offering this new easy-to-read resource for free download at www.colonoscopyfordummies.com. Facebook users can also visit www.facebook.com/ColonoscopyForDummies to learn more about Colonoscopy For Dummies.
"This year alone, colon cancer will likely be responsible for more than 51,000 deaths," said Andrew Spiegel, Chief Executive Officer of the Colon Cancer Alliance. "Colon cancer is treatable when detected early by having a colonoscopy, yet as shown through our survey results, compliance is still a major problem and might contribute to fewer cases being detected and thus, more deaths associated with the disease."
Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States, behind smoking-related lung cancer, and 80 to 90 million Americans are considered at risk. Guidelines issued by organizations including the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, as well as the American Cancer Society, strongly recommend people begin receiving colon cancer screenings upon reaching age 50 and even earlier if they have a family history of the disease. However, a recent Colon Cancer Alliance survey found seven out of 10 people age 50 years or older who had been recommended to have the test, still had not had a colonoscopy, primarily due to fears.
In the same survey, 73 percent of people said bowel prep remains the hardest part of the colonoscopy experience. Results also showed six out of 10 participants who have had a colonoscopy but did not or don't remember receiving explanatory materials would have felt more comfortable if their healthcare provider had given them materials explaining the process prior to their exam. Colonoscopy For Dummies, featuring insight from Dr. Carol Burke, Director of the Center for Colon Polyps and Cancer, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio, provides valuable information about prepping for a colonoscopy and what to expect both during and after the procedure. The book also addresses common and uncommon questions about colon cancer screening.
"The more we can educate patients on the colonoscopy experience, the more we can help address common misconceptions, and hopefully, more patients will have the procedure as a result," said Dr. Burke. "An easy-to-read resource like Colonoscopy For Dummies helps provide patients with key information to undergo the procedure."
As a company dedicated to helping combat gastrointestinal disorders, Salix remains committed to providing the public with easy access to information on colon health and supporting organizations, such as the Colon Cancer Alliance, in the vital work they do to increase awareness and research for life-altering conditions.
Earlier colorectal cancer screening can benefit younger adults