Fight CRC
September 2012
Greetings!

Fight Colorectal Cancer is proud to bring you the Back to School edition of our monthly eNewsletter. 

This issue has opportunities for you to GET SCHOOLED, including good news about new FDA-approved drugs to treat colorectal cancer and information about research studies for survivors. 

If you like what you see, forward it to a friend and please consider making a donation to support future issues. If you'd like to see other items included, reply and tell us about it.

Thanks, and welcome back to the classroom.

The Fight Colorectal Cancer team
Drug increased overall survival time in trials

ZALTRAP
For the first time in more than five years, the Food and Drug Administration has approved a drug to treat metastatic colorectal cancer. 

ZALTRAP (ziv-aflibercept) is used with FOLFIRI as a second-line treatment for patients with stage IV colorectal cancer. The drug blocks the formation of new blood vessels for fast-growing tumors. 



lab rat
Ever wonder about the research process that takes a cancer drug from the lab, through clinical trials and on to FDA approval?

Would you like more training and tools to advocate for colorectal cancer research and awareness?

The RATS program wants YOU. 

Participants will learn how to engage in the research process through committees at the National Cancer Institute, the FDA, and others.  They will also receive guidance from active advocates and gain a comprehensive understanding of colorectal cancer research and related disease states. 
 
Deadline for applications is September 15, 2012. Complete the application online or call the Answer Line at 1-877-427-2111. 
Nationwide study conducted at 500 cancer centers
 
Can statin drugs prevent colorectal cancer? 
 
You may hold the key to the answer. If you've been treated for stage I or II colorectal cancer in the past year and have finished chemotherapy, you may be eligible for a clinical trial designed to study whether statins prevent precancerous polyps from forming. 
 
Click here for more information or call the Fight Colorectal Cancer Answer Line at 1-877-427-2111.
Patients with wild-type KRAS gene may see benefit

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Erbitux (cetuximab) has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration as a first-line treatment in combination with FOLFIRI to treat stage IV colorectal cancer. 

Erbitux was originally approved in 2004 to treat patients with metastatic colorectal cancer whose cancer did not respond to other treatments. 

 
If you have been told that your tumor has the mutated KRAS gene, click here to read about your options.
Groups urge Congress to support standard for medicines

Track and Trace
Fight Colorectal Cancer and five other cancer groups have written a joint letter to Congress to address the security of critical medicines used to treat advanced cancer. 

In February 2012, vials of fake Avastin were distributed in the United States. Congress is currently considering legislation to address the security of the U.S. pharmaceutical distribution system. 

Research and prevention programs at risk

NDD Rally Pic
Discretionary funding, which includes money for cancer prevention and cancer research programs, is in danger as Congress looks for ways to axe $1 trillion from the budget over the next 10 years. 
 
The cuts are set to take effect January 2, 2013.  
 
Fight Colorectal Cancer may call on its advocates and volunteers to speak out about the cuts and the impact it will have on life-saving research and programs.  Learn more about sequestration and its impact on your life.
Be Bold, Be Bald!
In just 11 weeks, November 2 - bald and bald-capped beauties will unite to fight cancer! Fight Colorectal Cancer was pleased to be included as a beneficiary of this national fundraising benefit effort.  

We hope you participate, wear your bald cap and generously support those who battle cancer.  They are almost to the single-digit countdown - have you signed up yet?
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In This Issue
Monthly Patient Webinars
Hospice Vs. Palliative Care 
Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2012
8 - 9:30 PM EDT
Register Now
 
Sex After Rectal Cancer
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
8 - 9:30 PM EDT


Goodbye Friend 
Pat Steer 
Fight Colorectal Cancer blogger Pat Steer passed away July 17 at Crouse Hospital in Syracuse, New York. 

Read Pat's final blog post for us,"No More Room in the Bucket," where she detailed her decision to discontinue treatment. Following her passing, Fight Colorectal Cancer's Kate Murphy wrote a tribute to Pat who requested that memorial donations on her behalf be made to Fight Colorectal Cancer. Click here to donate.
 
BBQ Battle for a Cause
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If you're near Dallas, TX on September 8, 2012, drop by the 2nd Annual Steve Mayberry Memorial Cookoff at McInnish Park, 2335 Sandy Lake Road in Carrollton. All proceeds will support colon cancer research and education through Fight Colorectal Cancer.
 
In the meantime, spice up your own grill with this Cosmic Rub "how to" courtesy of the Mayberrys.
Needed:  A Few Good Men
Have you been diagnosed with stage II colorectal cancer since 2010?
 
If so, you may be eligible for a one-time 30-minute survey to help other stage II patients. 

For more information, please call the Fight Colorectal Cancer Answer Line at 1-877-427-2111 or email an associate.
Back to School Gear
Fight CRC shirt
Update your wardrobe with a fresh Fight Colorectal Cancer t-shirt, which are 10% off during the month of September.  when ordering use the coupon code: BackToSchool

We've also stocked up on hats, buttons and bracelets for your fall awareness events or to celebrate the survivors you love.
 
Order yours today!
2012 Health Awards

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Love the work we're doing?

GreatNonprofits has opened their 2012 Health Awards and is looking for remarkable nonprofits working to promote health and fight disease. 

Fight Colorectal Cancer demands a cure for colon and rectal cancer. We educate and support patients and caregivers, push for changes in policy that will increase and improve research, and empower survivors to raise their voices against the status quo.
Fight Colorectal Cancer | 1414 Prince Street, Suite 204 | 703-548-1225
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