2021 ‘Faces of Blue’ Story Series Kicks off in March for Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
We are pleased to partner with Salix Pharmaceuticals (“Salix”), the gastroenterology (GI) business of Bausch Health Companies Inc. (NYSE/TSX: BHC) (“Bausch Health”) and one of the largest specialty pharmaceutical companies in the world committed to the prevention and treatment of gastrointestinal diseases, for the 2021 #FacesOfBlue story series.
In it’s 10th year, Faces of Blue works to raise awareness of the importance of colorectal cancer screening and encourage patients to resume screenings after the COVID-19-resulting health care delays through personal stories. Since 2012, the series has featured over 300 stories of patients, survivors, and others touched by colorectal cancer. Each new year kicks off in Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. By publishing these accounts of courage, endurance, strength, and even humor, the Colon Cancer Coalition hopes to share a common experience and provide encouragement for all affected by this disease.
“As a leading gastroenterology company, we recognize the importance of colorectal cancer screening,” said Robert Spurr, president, Salix. “Our hope is that this collaboration with the Colon Cancer Coalition will encourage patients to schedule their colorectal cancer screenings as soon as safely possible.”
According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), in 2020, there was an estimated 90% decrease in colonoscopies and biopsies between the months of March and April compared to the numbers from the same time in 2019. ACS also reports an estimated 1.7 million colonoscopies were missed from March to June, 2020, and an estimated 18,000 undiagnosed or delayed diagnoses of colorectal cancer during that time.
“Personal stories resonate and can help influence behavior,” remarked Chris Evans, president, Colon Cancer Coalition. “In the past nine years the Colon Cancer Coalition has shared stories to encourage people to take the important step and get screened for colorectal cancer. Now, more than ever, the personal stories are needed to help individuals with delayed screenings due to COVID-19 recognize they need to take that important step to pick up the phone and schedule their colorectal cancer screening. We are thrilled to partner with Salix in this effort to jump start screenings in 2021.”
Faces of Blue stories are published regularly during Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and semi-monthly throughout the rest of the year. The stories, posted to our website, share the journeys of patients, survivors, caregivers and health care providers touched by colorectal cancer. We are thankful to Salix for helping to amplify these important messages throughout the year.
In addition to sharing the Faces of Blue stories, Salix field reps will be sporting special #FacesOfBlue face masks throughout March.
About Salix
Salix Pharmaceuticals is one of the largest specialty pharmaceutical companies in the world committed to the prevention and treatment of gastrointestinal diseases. For more than 30 years, Salix has licensed, developed, and marketed innovative products to improve patients’ lives and arm health care providers with life-changing solutions for many chronic and debilitating conditions. Salix currently markets its product line to U.S. health care providers through an expanded sales force that focuses on gastroenterology, hepatology, pain specialists and primary care. Salix is headquartered in Bridgewater, New Jersey. For more information about Salix, visit www.Salix.com and connect with us on Twitter and LinkedIn.
About Bausch Health
Bausch Health Companies Inc. (NYSE/TSX: BHC) is a global company whose mission is to improve people’s lives with our health care products. We develop, manufacture and market a range of pharmaceutical, medical device and over-the-counter products, primarily in the therapeutic areas of eye health, gastroenterology and dermatology. We are delivering on our commitments as we build an innovative company dedicated to advancing global health. More information can be found at bauschhealth.com.
