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Press Releases
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Press ReleaseIndependence Blue Cross Encourages Annual ScreeningQuest Diagnostics Joins IBC to Increase Awareness and Early Detection Philadelphia, PA - September 15, 2008 - Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, but when found early and treated, the five-year relative survival rate for colon cancer is 90 percent, according to studies by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention¹. Currently, less than 40 percent of colorectal cancers are found early. That’s why from August to December of this year, more than 34,000 Independence Blue Cross (IBC) members will be part of a pilot program to increase their awareness of the importance of annual screening and to try to increase the number of members who receive screening for this preventable form of cancer. IBC is conducting this additional member reminder program in collaboration with Quest Diagnostics Incorporated (NYSE: DGX), a leading provider of diagnostic testing, information, and services. The program will offer the InSure® FITTM colorectal cancer screening test to certain members ages 52 to 80 who have been enrolled in IBC plans for at least two years, and who have not completed any of the five types of colorectal cancer screening within the recommended timeframe. IBC will send each of these HMO members a mailer with information about the importance of colorectal cancer screening and a business reply card for the member to request a colorectal cancer screening that can be completed at home — the InSure FIT fecal immunochemical test. Once the member has completed the test, he or she will mail it back to Quest Diagnostics for processing. The results will be sent to the member and his or her primary care physician. IBC encourages members to discuss the results with their physician regardless of the outcome. “Maintaining and improving our members’ health is our primary focus at IBC,” said Dr. Esther Nash, senior medical director at IBC who is leading this program. “It is crucial for our members to understand that colorectal cancer is detectable and preventable. We realize the immense health benefits that annual colorectal cancer screening provides, and will continue to encourage members to take an active role in their health.” This program builds on the extensive screening reminders and educational materials that IBC sends members every year. In 2007 alone, IBC provided a wide range of mailings and outreach calls including 536,000 mammogram reminders, 207,000 cervical cancer screening reminders, 157,000 osteoporosis screening reminders, and 77,000 adolescent immunization reminders to parents of 11-13 year olds. Each month, IBC also sends more than 2,300 colorectal screening reminders and educational materials to members in their 50th birthday month. By reaching out to members whose records show they have not yet had this important screening, IBC is hoping to encourage colorectal cancer screenings for members who may be reluctant to make appointments for other types of colorectal screening, such as a colonoscopy. The American Cancer Society estimates that there will be about 108,070 new cases of colon cancer and 40,740 new cases of rectal cancer in 2008 in the United States. Combined, they will cause nearly 50,000 deaths. This outreach program is yet another way IBC is demonstrating it is here for members every step of the way. For more information regarding colorectal cancer risks, screening options, and the Insure® FITTM test, visit www.DoYouHaveTheGuts.com. ¹ http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/colorectal/statistics/screening_rates.htm About Independence Blue Cross |