Colon Cancer Alliance Hosts Interactive Support Program at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute

February 20, 2007

New Initiative Aims to Educate Patients and Caregivers About Becoming

Active Partners in Their Treatment Program --

Tampa, FL – 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 Tampa on Saturday, March 3, at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute.

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,” said Jocelyn Farramolo, Voices of Tampa coordinator. “By encouraging increased dialogue among 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.

To register for the Tampa seminar, please call 1-877-422-2030 or visit the Colon Cancer Alliance Web site at www.ccalliance.org and complete the online registration form.

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 www.ccalliance.org or call 1-877-422-2030. 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 148,610 new cases of colorectal cancer were diagnosed in the United States in 2006; an estimated 55,170 also died from colorectal cancer. In Florida, there were approximately 9,970 new cases diagnosed and 3,700 deaths in 2006.

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 Colon Cancer Alliance’s toll-free helpline is1-877-422-2030, or visit the Web site at www.ccalliance.org.

About H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute

Located in Tampa, Florida on the University of South Florida campus, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute (www.moffitt.org) is the only Florida-based cancer center with the NCI designation as a Comprehensive Cancer Center for its excellence in research and contributions to clinical trials, prevention and cancer control. Moffitt currently has 15 affiliates in Florida, one in Georgia and two in Puerto Rico. Additionally, Moffitt is a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, a prestigious alliance of the country’s leading cancer centers, and is listed in U.S. News & World Report as one of America’s Best Hospitals for cancer. Moffitt’s sole mission is to contribute to the prevention and cure of cancer.

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