"Legislation Report Card" Ranks Each State's Effort

EXPERTS LAUD STRIDES IN SCREENING; CAUTION THAT MORE NEEDS TO BE DONE

Washington, DC (March 6, 2007) - In the wake of new data showing that the colorectal cancer (commonly referred to as colon cancer) death rate dropped more than any other type of cancer in 2003-2004, an authoritative group of organizations today issued its annual Colorectal Cancer Legislation Report Card. This year, the group noted that state laws requiring insurance coverage of colon cancer screening have significantly increased the number of potentially lifesaving screenings in those states, according to an analysis by the American Cancer Society (Society). The Report Card provides an overview of each state's effort to require insurance coverage for colon cancer screening tests, according to the best clinical guidelines.

Colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in the U.S., with only 10 percent of people who are diagnosed with the most advanced stage of cancer (once it has spread from the colon to organs such as the liver and lungs) surviving five years. Yet when detected early, it is among the most treatable of all cancers, with a 90 percent success rate. Screening also allows for the detection and removal of potentially pre-cancerous growths, called polyps, preventing the development of colorectal cancer.

"We've had very good news in the fight against colon cancer - the 5.7% drop in the death rate is clear evidence that getting tested for colon cancer saves lives," said Daniel E. Smith, president of the Society's sister advocacy organization, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network^SM (ACS CAN). "This decrease, coupled with evidence of improved screening rates in states with legislation, shows that state laws requiring insurers to cover the full range of colon cancer tests have a tremendous, lifesaving impact. Our hard work is paying off, but we must continue to work with states and the federal government to ensure that everyone who wants and needs to get tested for colon cancer is able to do so."

Laws Save Lives, but Only One State Takes Action

A May 2006 analysis by the Society revealed significantly higher and faster rising colorectal cancer screening rates in states that have passed 'A'- level legislation that covers the full range of colon cancer screenings. The study - which looked at 11 states that passed legislation between 1999 and 2001 -- showed that from 1999 to 2001, the colon cancer screening rates were similar in all states. As the laws had time to take effect, the rates of screening rose significantly higher in states with coverage laws than states without such laws. By 2004, screening rates in states with coverage laws had risen 40 percent faster than the rates in states without such laws.

Still, in the past year only one state - Alaska - passed legislation to require colon cancer screening coverage by insurers, bringing the total number of states that require colon cancer screening coverage (including states in the A, B and C categories) to a mere 21.

To view the full report, click here.

"As these laws took hold, people were more likely to seek screening, and many have been spared the ravages of colorectal cancer as a result," said Dr. David Johnson, president of the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG). "But there are still thirty-two states whose laws don't require coverage of comprehensive screening. If such legislation is passed, more Americans will benefit from these lifesaving exams. It's that simple."

According to Johnson, legislation doesn't just save lives, it also makes good use of limited health dollars. A recent report commissioned by ACG revealed that "early detection of colorectal cancer can have financial benefit as well; individual treatment cost is estimated at $30,000 for a patient with early detection, whereas the treatment cost for a patient who has developed late stage colorectal cancer is estimated at $120,000, depending upon the pharmaceuticals used in treatment."

"At a time when every healthcare dollar is being stretched and squeezed, legislation can help ensure that people get tests that could save their lives," said Lisa Paulsen, CEO of the Entertainment Industry Foundation." More than 50,000 people a year still die from colon cancer - largely because less than 50 percent of people for whom screening is recommended have been screened. It is tragic to think that more than half of those deaths could have been prevented with a single test."

About the Report Card Coalition

Launched in 2004, the Colorectal Cancer Legislation Report Card initiative is supported by a coalition that includes the ACG, American Gastroenterological Association, American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), Cancer Research and Prevention Foundation, Colon Cancer Alliance, the Colon Club, C3: Colorectal Cancer Coalition, The Jay Monahan Center for Gastrointestinal Health, and the Entertainment Industry Foundation's National Colorectal Cancer Research Alliance (EIF's NCCRA).

Where Do States Rank?

In the 2007 Report Card, 16 states (including Connecticut, Maryland and Washington, DC) earned a top grade of "A" with coverage laws that include reference to the screening guidelines developed by the American Cancer Society, the American College of Gastroenterology, the American Gastroenterological Association and the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. Incorporating the guidelines means that future advances in screening technologies will be encompassed by the legislation.

The "B" category consists of three states -- Delaware, Texas and West Virginia -- which require coverage of screening but do not reference the professional guidelines, leaving citizens of these states without assurance of meeting future needs.

Two states in the "C" category (California and Wyoming) have legislation that addresses preventative cancer screening, but the legislation is vague and does not specify the types of screening that are covered.

Thirty states - including Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Florida -- still rank in the "D" and "F" categories, meaning they have not yet passed legislation requiring any coverage of colorectal cancer screenings and/or have failed to even consider such legislative measures.

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About National Colorectal Cancer Research Alliance
The NCCRA is dedicated to the eradication of colon cancer by promoting education about the importance of early medical screening and funding cutting-edge research to develop betters tests, treatments and ultimately, a cure. As a result of the attention NCCRA has focused on colorectal cancer, the number of colonoscopy screenings has increased almost 20% since March 2000. Researchers at the University of Michigan have referred to this as the "Couric Effect."

About Entertainment Industry Foundation
The NCCRA is a program of the Entertainment Industry Foundation. As a philanthropic leader of the entertainment industry, EIF has distributed hundreds of millions of dollars - and provided countless volunteer hours - to support charitable initiatives addressing critical health, educational and social issues.

Contact:
Jennifer Burke
Burke PR
203-586-9769
burkepr@gmail.com

Judi Ketcik
Entertainment Industry Foundation
818-505-7722
jketcik@eifoundation.org