CRC Forum - January 28, 2010
Overview
Olympus hosts Washington D.C. Forum to drive awareness and support for colorectal cancer screening. As a global leader in providing solutions for digestive disease diagnosis and treatment, Olympus believes it is our responsibility to help educate people about the risks of colorectal cancer (CRC) and to help lead the charge in stopping the unnecessary deaths from this disease. As such, on January 28, 2010, Olympus hosted “The State of Colorectal Screening and Prevention” Forum in Washington D.C.
The event, sponsored in conjunction with C3: Colorectal Cancer Coalition, hosted leaders from Congress, the Administration, the gastroenterology and CRC communities and other health experts to discuss current trends in screening and prevention of colorectal cancer. The Forum highlighted discussions to explore actionable next steps to expand access to screening underserved populations.
This event is part of Olympus’ ongoing effort to generate widespread awareness about colorectal cancer and to improve and expand access to screening and prevention for this preventable, treatable and beatable disease.
For more information about the event and to learn more about colorectal cancer please see the links below.
Mr. F. Mark GumzMr. F. Mark Gumz, president and CEO of Olympus Corporation of the Americas – provides an opening statement and welcome to the colorectal cancer forum. The purpose of the event is to discuss our nation’s current efforts to promote colorectal cancer screening and prevention and to highlight opportunities to expand access to life-saving screening procedures.
Carlea BaumanCarlea Bauman, president, C3:Colorectal Cancer Coalition - discusses the lack of screening access for underserved populations and potential solutions including how pending federal legislation including HR 1189 are important to this cause.
Mr. Robert ReinhardtMr. Robert Reinhardt, vice president and chief of strategy for Olympus Medical Products – introduces Dr. David Johnson, moderator for “The State of Colorectal Cancer” event.
Panel #1: Building MomentumChallenges and Opportunities in CRC Prevention and Screening
Dr. Douglas RexDr. Douglas Rex, chancellor’s professor of gastroenterology and professor of medicine and director of endoscopy at the Indiana University Hospital in Indianapolis– provides an overview of where the nation is regarding clinical standards and trends in CRC screening, including review of current national guidelines by leading societies.
Mr. David WoodmanseeMr. David Woodmansee, senior specialist for state and local campaigns, colorectal cancer screening programs, American Cancer Society, Cancer Action Network - discusses the role of insurance coverage guidelines and existing access barriers to CRC screening as well as the differences between states with and without mandates.
Gregory G. GinsbergGregory G. Ginsberg, MD, professor of medicine and director of Endoscopy, University of Pennsylvania Health System - provides a clinical perspective about challenges, goals, interests, etc., in CRC screening.
Panel #2: From Treatable to BeatableMaking CRC Prevention and Screening a Priority.
Laura Seeff, MDLaura Seeff, MD, acting branch chief, comprehensive cancer control branch, division of cancer prevention and control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – highlights successful models such as the CDC’s Screen for Life and colorectal cancer screening demonstration program, with results and information on best practices learned.
Ronald Myers, Ph.D.Ronald Myers, Ph.D., professor and director, division of population science, department of medical oncology, Thomas Jefferson University - discussed the strategies (e.g. patient-provider behavioral and communication strategies) to help increase the nation’s current low use of CRC screening and adherence to screening guidelines.
Dr. Patrick Okolo, MD, MPHDr. Patrick Okolo, MD, MPH, chief of endoscopy, Johns Hopkins Hospital – examines the current and future capacity of health care workforce to adequately meet nation’s CRC screening needs, increased screening needs of minorities and immigrant populations.
Catherine KnowlesCatherine Knowles, director of policy, C3: Colorectal Cancer Coalition – describes CRC screening in current health care reform proposals and other pending federal legislation, and explores policy solutions, including HR 1189, which will allocate additional funds to CDC for screening programs for underserved communities.
Q&A Session
Mr. F. Mark GumzSummary and Conclusion by Mr. F. Mark Gumz, president and CEO of Olympus Corporation of the Americas.
