From Stillwater-Ponca City (OK) Ostomy Outlook Mar 2000:

National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable

Note: Congress has voted March 2000 as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. During this month, there will be several million dollars spent in advertising to make the public aware of cancer prevention and related issues. UOA is a partner in this effort.

Ann Favreau, our UOA Vice-President, represented the United Ostomy Association at a meeting of the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable (NCCRT) on December 6, 1999 in Washington, DC. On our behalf, she reported that UOA would provide support to the roundtable in their efforts to develop messages and materials for use in public education campaigns. UOA was credited with targeting family members of high risk individuals in our message "Protect Your Family." Other outcomes that affect UOA include:

• The Roundtable is investigating the possibility of developing a clearinghouse for colorectal cancer information that will list resources and web site links.

• The American Digestive Health Foundation wants UOA participation when their chat room is operational.

• Pfizer Pharmaceuticals has provided the Federal Drug Administration information to approve the use of Celebrex for individuals with Familial Polyposis.

• J. Laurette Savary of the Colorectal Cancer Network that provides support and education for cancer survivors wants to collaborate with UOA as a resource for those who may need ostomy related surgery and follow up support. They produce a quarterly newsletter and are looking for survivor stories.

• The Public Relations Manager of The National Colon Cancer Research Alliance started by Katie Couric and Lilly Tartikoff will refer their steering committee to our recent correspondence to network with them. They will be providing six million dollars worth of media advertising in the month of March to support the awareness campaign. They have recruited celebrities including Barbara Barrie, an Honorary Member of UOA, and Dennis Franz. They have collaborated with the major drug store chains to distribute literature.

• The American Academy of Family Physicians will feature articles in their magazine and newsletters.

• The Mayors of Boston and Springfield, Massachusetts have enacted policy to allow city employees paid time off to seek cancer screenings. This initiative is being given careful consideration by Vice President Gore as an activity that could be offered to all Federal Employees.

• The technology for virtual colonoscopy is moving forward.