Announcement from the former provost to the Stanford community

To: Members of the Stanford Community

Colon Cancer-Free Zone Campaign Launch

On April 24, 2009, with the American Cancer Society, Stanford has launched the “Colon Cancer Free Zone” initiative led by Yann A. Meunier MD, Health Promotion Manager at the Stanford Health Improvement Program.

Colorectal cancer kills approximately 56,000 Americans per year, making it the second most lethal cancer after lung cancer. But it is preventable.

The CCFZ is a program aiming at reducing colon cancer deaths by raising the awareness of the fact that it is a disease that can be avoided by early and proper screening.

The challenge to become a “Colon Cancer-Free Zone” means that the Stanford community recognizes the seriousness of the disease and vows to encourage all staff, employees and families to become aware of the risks for colon cancer, talk with their doctors about the disease and when appropriate take the screening tests. During the next year the awareness of colorectal cancer will be raised using various means: Wellness fairs, conferences, on-line talks, video spots, press releases, etc

Stanford is a recognized leader in employee well being and will meet this challenge. Working with the American Cancer Society to provide education on the prevention of colon cancer is a welcome addition to the array of resources available to our employees and their families.

Provost John W. Etchemendy