Non-Profit Group Formed to Promote Safe Colorectal Cancer Screenings...( Organization Will Address Increas...),Health

Organization Will Address Increasing Concerns that Future Payment & Coverage Policies Could Negatively Impact the Frequency of Colonoscopy

Screening & Sedation Options

ANNAPOLIS, Md., April 8, 2008 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Coalition for Quality Colorectal Cancer Screening and Care, a 501(c) 6 not-for-profit association, announces the formation of a broad-based coalition dedicated to reducing the incidence of colorectal cancer through educational programs aimed at promoting colonoscopy screening and care options for patients in a safe and comfortable setting.

The Coalition, comprised of gastroenterologists, surgeons, primary care physicians, oncologists, anesthesiologists, patient advocacy groups, and concerned individuals, will support a sustained effort of advocacy, collaboration, research, and education geared towards key stakeholders, including the public. Coalition activities commenced in March as part of the National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.

"A primary goal of the new organization is to promote evidence-based standards of care in a variety of medical practices that yield better clinical outcomes," notes Steven J. Morris, MD FACP FACG, Chairperson of the Coalition and CEO of Atlanta Gastroenterology Associates. In addition, Dr. Morris adds that "the Coalition wants to ensure that quality is never compromised by minimizing physician input or by the arbitrary efforts of insurer to save dollars at the expense of human lives." Dr. Morris recently accepted the nomination to head up the National Coalition for Quality Care and Cancer Screening and Care as its first Board Chairperson.

As reported by the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer deaths. This year almost 150,000 Americans will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer and over 56,000 will die from this cancer. Colorectal cancer is one of the most treatable cancers if it is detected early, an
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