WASHINGTON, May 17, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Colon Cancer Alliance and Kellogg join forces at Digestive Disease Week in San Diego to promote good colon health and cancer screening. A joint exhibit on display May 19-22, features a larger-than-life colon that visitors can walk through to learn more about colon cancer prevention. The goal is to encourage healthcare professionals to talk to patients about how they can lower their risk of colon cancer by maintaining a healthy colon and being screened for colon cancer.
Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S., but is highly treatable if caught early. The importance of screening for colon cancer is reinforced throughout the exhibit. Screening should begin at age 50 unless you have risk factors such as a family history of colon cancer or polyps, personal history of inflammatory bowel disease or if you are of African-American descent. Recommended guidelines encourage African-Americans to begin screening tests at age 45.
Attendees are encouraged to journey through the colon exhibit to learn about the risk factors of colon cancer and the importance of maintaining good digestive health, including the value of eating a diet rich in fiber and whole grains. Research has shown that a high intake of dietary fiber, in particular cereal fiber and whole grains, was associated with a reduced risk of colon cancer. Adding three servings of fiber-rich whole grains to one's daily diet reduces the risk of colon cancer by a fifth and for each 10 g/day intake of total dietary fiber, there is a 10% reduction of risk of colon cancer.[1]
"At the Colon Cancer Alliance, we believe that education, early detection and treatment equal survivorship. Healthcare professionals play a powerful role in encouraging people to maintain good digestive health as one way to minimize one's risk for cancer. A healthy colon is just as important as maintaining strong bones or a healthy heart," stated Andrew Spiegel, Chief Executive Officer of the Colon Cancer Alliance.
About Kellogg
Driven to enrich and delight the world through foods and brands that matter, Kellogg Company (NYSE:K) is the world's leading producer of cereal and a leading producer of snacks and frozen foods. Kellogg produces more ready-to-eat cereals (including Raisin Bran®, Mini-Wheats®, and Froot Loops®) that provide a good source of fiber (3 grams) and one-half serving of whole grains (8 grams) than any other food company in the U.S. Visit www.kelloggcompany.com for more information.
About the Colon Cancer Alliance
The Colon Cancer Alliance (CCA) is the leading national patient advocacy organization dedicated to increasing colon cancer screening rates and survivorship. The CCA is an active, caring community that provides hope and support to patients and their families, while saving lives through screening, access, awareness, advocacy and research. Visit www.ccalliance.org for more information.
[1] Aune D, Chan DS, Lau R, Vieira R, Greenwood DC, Kampman E, et al. Dietary fibre, whole grains, and risk of colorectal cancer: systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of prospective studies. BMJ 2011;343:d6617.