Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida and American Cancer Society Collaborate to Promote Colorectal Screening

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida (BCBSF) and the American Cancer Society, Florida Division, (ACS) are forming a joint collaboration to raise awareness of the need for everyone over the age of 50 to get tested for colon cancer.

BCBSF is mailing letters with ACS educational brochures to approximately 200,000 members age 50 and older, informing them of the importance of colorectal screening. BCBSF is posting a link to the ACS Web site (colon cancer page) on the BCBSF Web site, and will distribute educational materials at employer health events.

"It is estimated that 9,900 new cases of colorectal cancer will be diagnosed in Florida this year, and more than 3,700 men and women in this state will die of the disease," said Ellen Sullivan, director, Health Management Programs, BCBSF. "We intend to mitigate this tragedy by providing vital information on colorectal screening to the people who most need it."

In addition to communicating with the general population about the importance of colorectal screening, the joint collaborative effort will target physicians and other healthcare providers with educational brochures and seminars. On-line continuing medical education (CME) programs on colorectal screening are now available through the ACS Web site free of charge. BCBSF is promoting the CME program through newsletter articles and email notification.

"This partnership illustrates Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida's commitment to the health and wellness of their members," said Michael Kasper, MD, chairman of the board and president, American Cancer Society's Florida Division. "Screening saves lives. It can prevent colon cancer altogether by identifying precancerous growths, and it can detect cancer at its earliest, most treatable stages."

Source: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida

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