Colorectal Cancer: Screening and Prevention 

Statement of Need 

Colorectal cancer is the third most common form of cancer and is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States.  Without preventive measures, about 5.6% of Americans (1 out of 18) will develop colorectal cancer at some point in their lives.  The five year survival rate is 90% when it is diagnosed at an early, localized stage; however, only 37% of incidences are diagnosed in early stage.

One of the most powerful and effective methods for prevention of colorectal cancer is colorectal screening.  In many cases, regular screening can prevent colorectal cancer altogether due to the ability to remove polyps or growths from the colon before they become cancerous.  Screening can also help to identify early stage cancers, when they have a high cure rate. 

Target Audience 

This continuing education (CE) activity is intended for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians who have an interest in colorectal cancer screening and prevention. 

Purpose 

The role of the pharmacist and pharmacy technician is critical in educating patients about colorectal cancer and the importance of proper screening due to their daily access to patients in local pharmacies.  The purpose of this program is to educate pharmacists on the following topics pertaining to colorectal cancer screening and prevention: prevalence, risk factors, signs and symptoms, screening procedures, bowel preparations, and the impact of public awareness. 

Learning Objectives 

At the conclusion of this program, participants should be able to: 

• Educate patients on the overall importance of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening and prevention
• Define the prevalence, signs and risk factors of CRC
• Discuss recommendations and procedures for early detection of CRC
• Define the importance of effective bowel preparation in CRC screening and prevention  

Program Format 

This program will take place in the form of an archived webinar.
 

Faculty
Douglas K. Rex, MD
Professor of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine
Chancellor's Professor, IUPUI
Director of Endoscopy, Indiana University Hospital
Indianapolis, IN 

Dr. Douglas K. Rex is Chancellor's Professor and Professor of Medicine at Indiana University School of Medicine and Director of Endoscopy at Indiana University Hospital in Indianapolis. He graduated from Harvard College, Summa Cum Laude in 1976 and with highest distinction from Indiana University School of Medicine in 1980. He served as Chief Medical Resident at Indiana University Hospital and joined the faculty at Indiana University in 1985. He received the Outstanding Teacher Award in the Introduction to Medicine course five times and has been awarded the Indiana University School of Medicine Outstanding Teacher Award as well as and Department of Medicine’s Excellence in Teaching Award.  He is a full-time clinical gastroenterologist at Indiana University Hospital.  

His major research interests have been in colorectal disease and, in particular, colorectal cancer screening and the technical performance of colonoscopy. He co-authored the colorectal cancer screening recommendations of the American College of Gastroenterology and those of the Gastroenterology Consortium. He has authored more than 110 original research papers, 50 book chapters, 100 invited papers and editorials, and 15 guideline papers. He is an Associate Editor of Journal Watch Gastroenterology and Reviews on Gastroenterological Disorders, and is a member of the Editorial Boards of Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology, World Journal of Gastroenterology and Gastroenterology and Hepatology.  

He has served as the ACG representative to the National Colorectal Cancer Round Table, and from 2000-2006 was the chairman of the U.S. Multi-Society (ACG, ASGE, AGA, ACP-ASIM) Task Force on Colorectal Cancer. He has also served in the American College of Gastroenterology as Chairman of the Board of Governors, Secretary, and Treasurer and is a Past President of the ACG.  

Instructions
To receive a statement of credit for up to 1.0 contact hour you must:  

• Review the full content of the program.
• Reflect on the content.
• Successfully complete and submit the post-test (70% or higher) and evaluation electronically.   

Fee
There is no fee for this program. 

Disclosure Declaration
It is the policy of Creative Educational Concepts, Inc. and SOMA Medical Education Company (SOMA) to ensure independence, balance, objectivity, scientific rigor, and integrity in all of their continuing education activities.

The author, sponsor, and publisher of this continuing education activity have made all reasonable efforts to ensure that information contained herein is accurate in accordance with the latest available scientific knowledge at the time of accreditation of this continuing education program. Information regarding drugs (e.g., their administration, dosages, contraindications, adverse reactions, interactions, special warnings, precautions) and drug delivery systems are subject to change, however, and the reader is advised to check the manufacturer's package insert for information concerning recommended dosage and potential problems or cautions prior to dispensing or administering the drug or using the drug delivery systems. 

Approval of credit for this continuing education activity does not imply endorsement by CEC or SOMA of any product or manufacturer identified.  

Faculty Disclosures - Douglas K. Rex, MD

Speaker’s Bureau 

• TAP, Novartis, CB Fleet, Salix Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Olympus  

Research Support: 

• Olympus, CB Fleet, Salix Pharmaceuticals, Inc., MGI Pharma, Given Imaging 

  Scientific Advisory Boards 

• Given Imaging, Aventis, Neo Guide, CB Fleet, Salix Pharmaceuticals, Inc., GI View, MGI Pharma

Investigational and/or off-label use of commercial products and devices: Creative Educational Concepts, Inc. and SOMA Medical Education Company requires all faculty to disclose any planned discussion of an investigational and/or off-label use of a pharmaceutical product or device within their presentation.  Participants should note that the use of products outside FDA-approved labeling should be considered experimental and are advised to consult current prescribing information for approved indications. 

Sponsorship 

This program is jointly sponsored by Creative Educational Concepts, Inc. and SOMA Medical Education Company.