The National Voice of Colon Cancer

COLON CANCER SCREENING MADE FASHIONABLE AT AARP’S VEGAS@50+

Fashion designer and colon cancer survivor Carmen Marc Valvo to encourage screening and early detection

The Venetian

Sands Expo and Convention Center, Hall C 3355 Las Vegas Boulevard South

Thursday, October 22, 2009 from 12:30 – 1:30 PM

As more than 30,000 people gather in Las Vegas for AARP's national annual meeting October 22-24, 2009 organizers have invited renowned fashion designer and colon cancer survivor Carmen Marc Valvo and a representative of the national nonprofit Susie’s Cause to alert attendees about the importance of colon cancer screening and their options for early detection. Carmen will also host a fashion show featuring some of his most beautiful designs. Carmen’s feature session is being sponsored by Quidel Corporation, manufacturer of the QuickVue^{® iFOB (immunochemical Fecal Occult Blood) test.}

Colonoscopies can be costly for the uninsured and the 2009 Colorectal Cancer Legislation Report Card indicates that many states still do not require insurance companies to cover preventative screenings. While there is not a replacement for a colonoscopy, consumers need to be aware of potential lower cost screening alternatives recommended by the American Cancer Society and other organizations. This includes a yearly fecal immunochemical test also known as FIT, an at-home screening test available through healthcare providers that detects blood in stool which can be an indicator of colorectal cancer.

Carmen Marc Valvo, renowned fashion designer and colon cancer survivor. Carmen's designs, which are currently staples at Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and Bloomingdales, have been worn by some of the world's most recognized women, including Katie Couric, Kate Winslet, Vanessa Williams, and Catherine Zeta-Jones.

COLORECTAL CANCER FACTS:

The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2009, almost 150,000 people will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer and almost 50,000 people will die of this disease. Cancer of the colon and rectum combined are the third most common type of cancer and second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. The majority of these cancers and deaths can be prevented through early screening and detection.

ABOUT SUSIE’S CAUSE:

Susie’s Cause is a nonprofit foundation that educates the public about the benefits of colorectal cancer screening. Susie’s Cause advocates screening if you are over 50 and are at average risk for colorectal cancer, and over 40 if you have a family history of colorectal cancer.

ABOUT QUIDEL CORPORATION:

Quidel Corporation serves to enhance the health and well being of people around the globe through the discovery, development, manufacturing and marketing of rapid diagnostic solutions at the point of care in infectious diseases and reproductive and gastrointestinal health.