Download Sample Press Release for Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

NOTE: This press release is designed to be customized and sent to local media outlets. County level data is available using the Indiana
State Cancer Registry Statistics Report Generator.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[Date]
CONTACT: [Your Name]
[Phone Number]
MARCH IS COLORECTAL CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
[Insert Subtitle Here]
[CITY, STATE] — March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly
diagnosed cancer and cause of cancer-related death among both males and females in the United States and Indiana.
The American Cancer Society estimates that nearly 3,080 Hoosiers will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer, and 1,110
will die as a result of the disease, during 2017 alone. During 2010-2014, there were [insert number] new colorectal
cancer diagnoses and [insert number] deaths in [insert county name] as a result of this disease.
“Screening for colorectal cancer saves lives,” said [insert name and title]. “Early stages of colorectal cancer often have no
symptoms, so screening is critical to reducing risk. Over time, if undetected, colorectal cancer kills. However, there are
many options for screening, with some even being done at home. Talk to your doctor today about the right screening
option for you.”
While a recent study found that colorectal cancer incidence rates among young and middle-aged adults are rising, sex
and age remain the two greatest risk factors for developing colorectal cancer. During 2010-2014, colorectal cancer
incidence rates were 27 percent higher among Indiana men than women. Over 90 percent of these cases were
diagnosed among Indiana residents ages 50 and older. Additional risk factors include:
 Race. In Indiana, during 2010-2014, African-American people had a 12 percent higher incidence rate and a 38
percent higher mortality rate when compared with white people.
 Smoking. According to The Health Consequences of Smoking – 50 Years of Progress, smoking is a known cause of
colorectal cancer. In addition, smoking increases the failure rate of treatment for all cancers.
 Diabetes. Studies have found that individuals with Type 2 diabetes are at higher risk. Although diabetes and
colorectal cancer share similar risk factors, this increased risk remains even after those are taken into
consideration. Studies also suggest that the relationship may be stronger in men than in women.
 Personal or family history. Although a majority of colorectal cancer cases occur when there is no family history,
risk is increased by having a personal or family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, a personal history of
chronic inflammatory bowel disease, or certain inherited genetic conditions – for example, Lynch syndrome (also
known as hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer) and familial adenomatous polyposis.
 Modifiable risk factors. Obesity, physical inactivity, a diet high in red or processed meat, and alcohol
consumption may increase colorectal cancer risk.
“Colorectal cancer is often preventable and screening does not have to be expensive or uncomfortable,” said [insert
name and title]. “This month, join me in making sure that you and your loved ones talk to your doctor about getting
screened.”
Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), many screening options may be covered by insurance. It is important to talk to
your health care provider and your health insurance any about possible costs. For more information on the ACA, visit
www.health.gov. Indiana residents can also visit http://www.in.gov/fssa/hip/ for information on the Healthy Indiana
Plan, which covers colorectal cancer screenings. The public can also call 1-800-227-2345 to learn more about screening
options in their community.
To learn more about colorectal cancer, please refer to the Indiana Cancer Facts and Figures 2015, a comprehensive
report on the burden of cancer in Indiana http://indianacancer.org/.
For information on Indiana’s free tobacco cessation program, or for quit assistance, visit www.QuitNowIndiana.com, or
call 1-800-QuitNow.
[Insert organizational boilerplate language here.]
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