2019 Cologuard Classic Ups the Ante with New 'Hole-In-One Attendance Challenge' to Drive Awareness of Colorectal Cancer and Importance of Early Detection

Potential donations totaling $1.5 million would benefit colorectal cancer research and Tucson youth athletics

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Feb 21, 2019, 08:02 ET

TUCSON, Ariz., Feb. 21, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Exact Sciences, the makers of Cologuard – a noninvasive colorectal cancer screening test, is upping the ante at the 2019 Cologuard Classic PGA TOUR Champions golf tournament in Tucson, Ariz. with a new 'Hole-In-One Attendance Challenge' to raise awareness of colorectal cancer and the importance of early screening and detection.

If tournament attendance at the 2019 Cologuard Classic, taking place from February 27 – March 3 at Omni Tucson National's Catalina Course, reaches 50,000 – signifying the number of those lost each year to colorectal cancer in the United States – Exact Sciences will make a $500,000 donation for the first hole-in-one made each day of competition on the iconic 16^th hole. If a hole-in-one is made each day of tournament competition, donations could reach a total of $1.5 million ($500,000 each day) benefitting colorectal cancer research and Tucson youth athletics.

"The Cologuard Classic is one of my favorite tournaments during the PGA TOUR Champions season because of the mission of the event," said three-time PGA TOUR Champions winner and Cologuard ambassador Jerry Kelly. "This challenge has me more motivated than ever to be the guy who makes the hole-in-one on the 16^th hole."

Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men and women combined in the United States.¹ When caught early, 90 percent of colorectal cancer is treatable.¹

"We strive to educate the fans and encourage them to start conversations with their healthcare providers about colorectal cancer. Regular screening is the key to early detection, and early detection leads to better outcomes," said Kevin Conroy, Chairman and CEO of Exact Sciences. "The Hole-In-One Attendance Challenge at the Cologuard Classic will help drive awareness around this preventable disease."

The 2019 Cologuard Classic will be played February 27 – March 3 at Omni Tucson National Resort and features a 78-player field competing for a $1.7 million purse with $255,000 and 255 Charles Schwab Cup points for the winner. The no-cut format includes three days of competition (Friday-Sunday) with players participating in pro-am events on Wednesday and Thursday. Tournament proceeds benefit youth athletic programs in Southern Arizona and colorectal cancer research and advocacy. The Tucson Conquistadores are the host organization of the Cologuard Classic. Since their inception in 1962, the Conquistadores have contributed more than $35 million to youth athletic programs in-and-around Tucson.

For more information on the 2019 Cologuard Classic and to purchase tickets visit CologuardClassic.com and follow the tournament on Twitter @CologuardGolf, on Facebook at Facebook.com/CologuardClassic and on Instagram @Cologuard_Classic.

To learn more about Cologuard, visit CologuardTest.com.

PR Contact: Ben Paradossi, 812-455-8780, [email protected]

Tournament Media Contact: Rob Myers, 602-317-6131, [email protected]

About Exact Sciences Corp.
Exact Sciences Corp. is a molecular diagnostics company focused on the early detection and prevention of the deadliest forms of cancer. The company has exclusive intellectual property protecting its non-invasive, molecular screening technology for the detection of colorectal cancer. For more information, please visit the company's website at www.exactsciences.com, follow Exact Sciences on Twitter @ExactSciences or find Exact Sciences on Facebook.

About Cologuard
Cologuard is intended for the qualitative detection of colorectal neoplasia associated DNA markers and for the presence of occult hemoglobin in human stool. A positive result may indicate the presence of colorectal cancer (CRC) or advanced adenoma (AA) and should be followed by diagnostic colonoscopy. Cologuard is indicated to screen adults of either sex, 50 years or older, who are at typical average-risk for CRC. Cologuard is not a replacement for diagnostic colonoscopy or surveillance colonoscopy in high risk individuals.

Cologuard is not for high risk individuals, including those with a history of colorectal cancer and advanced adenoma, a family history of colorectal cancer, IBD or certain hereditary syndromes. Positive Cologuard results should be referred to diagnostic colonoscopy. A negative Cologuard test result does not guarantee absence of cancer or advanced adenoma. Following a negative result, patients should continue participating in a screening program at an interval and with a method appropriate for the individual patient. Cologuard performance when used for repeat testing has not been evaluated or established. Rx only.

About Tucson Conquistadores
The Tucson Conquistadores are the host organization of the PGA TOUR Champions' Cologuard Classic. Since their inception in 1962, the Conquistadores have contributed more than $35 million to youth athletic programs in Southern Arizona. The Conquistadores have an active membership of up to 60 business and community professionals and a total membership of 209 who represent a cross-section of the Tucson community. In addition to their professional golf activities, the group has established the Tucson Conquistadores Foundation. Key beneficiaries of the Conquistadores' fund-raising efforts include: The First Tee of Tucson; Tucson and Pima County Junior Golf Programs; the Field of Dreams/Challenger Little League sports complex; Boys and Girls Clubs in Tucson, Sierra Vista and Nogales; Pima County Special Olympics; Educational Enrichment Foundation; and the YMCA.

¹ American Cancer Society, Cancer Facts & Figures 2017, https://www.cancer.org/content/dam/cancer-org/research/cancer-facts-and-statistics/annual-cancer-facts-and-figures/2017/cancer-facts-and-figures-2017.pdf, Accessed February 5, 2019

SOURCE EXACT SCIENCES CORP