Carmen Marc Valvo, Designer and Cancer Survivor, Teams Up With Dulcolax® and the Colon Cancer Alliance to Make it Fashionable for Americans to Get Screened

New survey shows 72 percent of Americans polled are not aware that colon cancer is the second most deadly cancer in the U.S.*

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Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Mar 01, 2011, 08:00 ET

RIDGEFIELD, Conn., March 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- To kick off national Colon Cancer Awareness Month, the makers of Dulcolax® products and the Colon Cancer Alliance (CCA) have teamed up with American fashion designer, Carmen Marc Valvo, to fight the fears of the colonoscopy. Colon cancer is 90 percent curable when diagnosed early so why do so many Americans avoid getting a colonoscopy—the colon cancer screening test that could save their lives?

Men and women are recommended to begin screening at age 50, or even earlier if there is a family history of colon cancer. Despite these guidelines, alarming results from a new survey show that more than a quarter of respondents 50 years and older (27%) have not been screened, and the reason most often cited is that they do not have a family history of colon cancer. Moreover, of those aged 50 and older who have yet to be screened, 60 percent would be more concerned about the preparation than the actual procedure.

Fortunate to receive an early diagnosis after being screened for the disease, it has been eight years since Valvo has beaten colon cancer. "I certainly understand why people are hesitant to be examined, but the fact is, it's not nearly as uncomfortable as you might imagine, and any discomfort from the screening is surely outweighed by the benefits of preventing cancer from developing or catching it in its early stages," says Valvo.

In 2003, Valvo knew something was not right and insisted to his doctors that he be screened. Doctors found a growth in his colon, but Valvo was able to have it removed and survived the disease. He has since committed himself to advocating for screening and supporting colon cancer research.

"A colonoscopy is now considered a routine test that has saved countless lives over the years," said Michael Kreines, MD, FACG, FAGA, FACP, Ohio Gastroenterology and Liver Institute, member of the Colon Cancer Alliance Medical Scientific Advisory Board. "In addition to regular screening, you can reduce your risk of colon cancer by maintaining a healthy diet and staying active. Take action and discuss having a colonoscopy with your doctor, who can tell you exactly what to expect and help calm your fears."

Valvo continued, "I wasn't aware I had a family history of colon cancer, and my triumph over the disease has empowered me to make sure people are aware of what they can do to prevent and fight it. Fear and embarrassment often make people reluctant to undergo the screening process, but I can't stress how important it is to keep testing. When it comes to combating this disease, early detection and treatment are the keys."

The makers of Dulcolax® products are a proud supporter of the Colon Cancer Alliance. A portion of proceeds from the purchase of Dulcolax® supports free colon cancer screenings for those in need. As the #1 doctor recommended stimulant for constipation relief, Dulcolax® reminds everyone over the age of 50 or with a family history of colon cancer, that a colonoscopy can save lives. Talk to your doctor to get screened.

About Dulcolax®

Dulcolax® products of Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., have been a leader in constipation relief for over 50 years. Dulcolax® offers a range of solutions for relief from constipation, including Dulcolax® Laxative Tablets, Dulcolax® Laxative Suppositories, Dulcolax® Stool Softeners and Dulcolax Balance®. A portion of the proceeds from every Dulcolax® purchase supports free colon cancer screenings for those in need. For more information on the #1 doctor recommended stimulant for constipation relief, visit www.dulcolaxusa.com.

About the Colon Cancer Alliance

The Colon Cancer Alliance (CCA) is a national patient advocacy organization dedicated to ending the suffering caused by colorectal cancer. In order to increase rates of screening and survivorship, the Colon Cancer Alliance provides patient support and public education, supports research and conducts advocacy work across America. For more information, please visit www.ccalliance.org.

About the Survey

On behalf of Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and the Colon Cancer Alliance, Kelton Research conducted the survey in the U.S. online during February 2011. One thousand nationally representative American men and women were surveyed, all of whom were 18 years of age and older. This survey was made possible through funding provided by Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Results of any sample are subject to sampling variation. The magnitude of the variation is measurable and is affected by the number of interviews and the level of the percentages expressing the results. In this particular study, the chances are 95 in 100 that a survey result does not vary, plus or minus, by more than 3.1 percentage points from the result that would be obtained if interviews had been conducted with all persons in the universe represented by the sample. Margins of error for specific subgroups are higher.

About Carmen Marc Valvo

American fashion designer Carmen Marc Valvo is the top-selling eveningwear designer at Neiman Marcus, and his lines have expanded to include eyewear, lingerie, a swimsuit line and a home collection. Valvo is a colorectal cancer survivor and has been very active in championing the cause. He serves as an Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF) ambassador and has partnered with the EIF's National Colorectal Cancer Research Alliance (NCCRA), which is dedicated to the eradication of colorectal cancer by promoting the importance of early medical screening and funding research to develop better tests, treatments, and ultimately a cure. Valvo's latest fashion book, Dressed to Perfection: The Art of Dressing for Your Red Carpet Moments, was published last month, and proceeds from sales of the book will go to colon cancer organizations. For more information, visit www.carmenmarcvalvo.com.

About Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., based in Ridgefield, CT, is the largest U.S. subsidiary of Boehringer Ingelheim Corporation (Ridgefield, CT) and a member of the Boehringer Ingelheim group of companies.

The Boehringer Ingelheim group is one of the world's 20 leading pharmaceutical companies. Headquartered in Ingelheim, Germany, it operates globally with 142 affiliates in 50 countries and more than 41,500 employees. Since it was founded in 1885, the family-owned company has been committed to researching, developing, manufacturing and marketing novel products of high therapeutic value for human and veterinary medicine.

In 2009, Boehringer Ingelheim posted net sales of US $17.7 billion (12.7 billion euro) while spending 21% of net sales in its largest business segment, Prescription Medicines, on research and development.

For more information, please visit http://us.boehringer-ingelheim.com and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/boehringerus.

*On behalf of Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and the Colon Cancer Alliance, Kelton Research conducted the survey in the U.S. online during February 2011. One thousand nationally representative American men and women were surveyed, all of whom were 18 years of age and older. This survey was made possible through funding provided by Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.