Epigenomics Joins Forces to Increase Colorectal Cancer Screening Rates in the United States
Epigenomics Joins Forces with hundreds of Organizations to Increase Colorectal Cancer Screening Rates in the United States
“80% by 2018” is a shared goal to have 80% of adults aged 50 and older screened for colorectal cancer by 2018 – Colorectal cancer screening has been proven to save lives
Berlin (Germany) and Germantown, MD (U.S.A.), February 27, 2017 – Epigenomics AG (Frankfurt Prime Standard: ECX, OTCQX: EPGNY), today announced that it has made the pledge to help increase colorectal cancer screening rates by supporting the 80% by 2018 initiative, led by the American Cancer Society (ACS), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable (a coalition co-founded by ACS and CDC).
Colorectal cancer is the nation’s second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S. when men and women are combined; however it is one of only a few cancers that can be prevented. Through colorectal cancer screening, doctors can find and remove hidden growths (called “polyps”) in the colon, before they become cancerous. Removing polyps can prevent cancer.
“80% by 2018” is a National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable (NCCRT) initiative in hundreds of organizations have committed to substantially reducing colorectal cancer as a major public health problem and are working toward the shared goal of 80% of adults aged 50 and older being regularly screened for colorectal cancer by 2018. Leading public health organizations, such as NCCRT, CDC and the ACS are rallying organizations to embrace this shared goal. If we can achieve 80% by 2018, 277,000 cases and 203,000 colorectal cancer deaths would be prevented by 2030.
“We are excited to join forces with the “80% by 2018”-initiative in the fight against colorectal cancer,” said Greg Hamilton, Chief Executive Officer of Epigenomics AG. “We believe that lowering existing screening hurdles such as patient preparation or stool handling is key to increase screening rates in the United States. Epi proColon®, our novel FDA-approved blood-test for colorectal cancer screening, is a convenient and cost-effective test that has demonstrated high acceptance among patients who refuse existing methods. We are committed to provide patients nationwide with this new disruptive technology, thereby making a significant contribution to the “80%” goal.”
Part of the 80% by 2018 goal is to leverage the energy of multiple and diverse partners to empower communities, patients and providers to increase screening rates. The 80% by 2018 initiative consists of health care providers, health systems, communities, businesses, community health centers, government, non-profit organizations and patient advocacy groups, among others, who are committed to getting more people screened for colorectal cancer to prevent more cancers and save lives.
For more information about colorectal cancer screening, visit www.cancer.org/colon or contact the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345. For more information about the 80% by 2018 initiative, visit www.nccrt.org.
About Epi proColon
Epi proColon is indicated for colorectal cancer screening in average-risk patients who are unwilling or unable to perform colorectal cancer screening by colonoscopy and stool-based methods.
For patients, the test only requires a simple blood sample drawn as part of routine healthcare provider visits. There are no dietary restrictions or alterations in medication required for the test. The sample will be analyzed at a national or regional diagnostic laboratory.
For more information, visit www.epiprocolon.com.
About Epigenomics
Epigenomics is a molecular diagnostics company focused on blood-based detection of cancers using its proprietary DNA methylation biomarker technology. The company develops and commercializes diagnostic products across multiple cancer indications with high medical need. Epigenomics’ lead product, Epi proColon, is a blood-based screening test for the detection of colorectal cancer. Epi proColon has received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is currently marketed in the United States, Europe, and China and selected other countries. Epigenomics’ second product, Epi proLung®, is in development as a blood-based test for lung cancer detection.
For more information, visit www.epigenomics.com.
Contact in the U.S.
David Bull
Director of Marketing
Phone: 240.912.6430
David.Bull@Epigenomics.com
Contact Epigenomics AG
Peter Vogt
Vice President Corporate Communication & Investor Relations
Epigenomics AG
Geneststraße 5
10829 Berlin
Phone +49 (0) 30 24345 386
ir@epigenomics.com