CRC Advocacy

Olympus is committed to working with policymakers, healthcare experts, physicians and patient organizations to increase the awareness of and access to colon cancer screening. As a global leader, providing solutions for digestive disease diagnosis and treatment, it is our goal to be a resource on this important social cause by taking action and encouraging others to will make colon cancer screening a national policy priority.

Research on GI Shortage

During January of 2009, Olympus and The Lewin Group, a national healthcare and human services consulting firm, illustrated that the aging U.S. population and increased colorectal cancer (CRC) screening rates will overwhelm the supply of GI physicians by 2020.

The Olympus funded research projected a shortfall of 8-12% of gastroenterologists by 2020 as well as the intended effects of colorectal cancer screening.

Olympus is committed to broad efforts to address the growing shortage of trained gastroenterologist and increase colorectal cancer screening rates by helping to educate, inform and create awareness about colorectal cancer through direct consumer outreach, collaborating with professional medical societies and advocacy groups and coordinating efforts with federal health agencies. To read the research and highlights please click below.

Take Action Now. Support the “Colorectal Cancer Prevention, Early Detection, and Treatment Act.”

Millions of Americans who should be screened for colon cancer are not. Lives can be saved. We need your help.

Help us by voicing your support for early detection to your elected officials and encourage others to do the same.

Encourage Others.

Send a note to family members or friends to encourage them to advocate for colon cancer screening.

    Let’s Eliminate Colon Cancer. Support Early Detection.

    The statistics are troubling: Between 30,000 and 44,000 lives a year could be saved in the U.S. if colon cancer screening was fully accessible and utilized.

    The “Colorectal Cancer Prevention, Early Detection, and Treatment Act” will establish a life-saving program to fight and treat colon cancer, helping to ensure that everyone who should be screened for colon cancer, is screened.

    Voice your Support.

    The Facts
    • Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death for men and women combined and one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in the United States
    • Every three and a half minutes someone is diagnosed with colon cancer
    • Every nine minutes someone dies from colon cancer
    • Every five seconds someone who should be screened for CRC is not
    Screening Saves Lives
    • Colon cancer screening can save 30,000 lives a year if colon cancer screening was fully accessible and utilized
    • Screening saves lives by finding colon cancer in its earliest, most curable stages
    • Despite scientific evidence supporting the benefits, preventative screening for this disease in the United States remains low. There are no visible symptoms of colon cancer, which is why regular screening, especially for those most at risk, is critical
    The “Colorectal Cancer Prevention, Early Detection, and Treatment Act”
    • Establishes a program at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to provide screening and treatment for colon cancer
    • Targets screening services toward individuals between 50 - 64 years of age (the pre-Medicare population), or those under 50 years old but with high risk of such cancer
    • Gives priority to low-income, uninsured and underinsured individuals who would not otherwise have coverage for colon cancer screening, diagnostic follow up, and/or treatment
    • Provides case management and referrals for medical treatment of screened individuals
    • Ensures the full continuum of cancer care for individuals screened, including the appropriate follow-up for abnormal tests, diagnostic and therapeutic services, and treatment for detected cancers
    • Provides education and training for healthcare professionals on the detection of colon cancer
    • Develops and disseminates findings and outcomes data in order to evaluate the program for cost, effectiveness and reach, which will inform ongoing community screening and treatment efforts

    Thank you for encouraging others.
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