Colon Cancer Alliance launches new and improved website

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Amy Kelly
Colon Cancer Alliance
(212) 627-7451
kelly@CCAlliance.org
http://www.CCAlliance.org

Colon Cancer Alliance launches new and improved website.

New York, June 16 -- The Colon Cancer Alliance (CCA) launches a new and improved website today. With this launch, CCA is showcasing both a new look and new content. CCA's website (www.CCAlliance.org) is the most comprehensive resource available to colorectal cancer (CRC) patients and survivors. The new site provides a centralized starting point for CRC survivors and loved ones to find the latest and most reliable CRC information and support services.

The CCA website sports a bold new look. Color-coded sections make it easier to navigate through the site and shorter pages and back buttons on every page make for easier browsing. "The site's rapid growth really forced a redesign," says CCA Webmaster Judi Sohn. "We started out with six pages just over a year ago, and we're now at over 350 with this latest content update. That meant we needed to overhaul the structure to make navigation easier."

The launch of the new look coincides with the launch of new CCA Connections Program materials. Specifically, two new educational booklets are available for download from the site: Living with Colorectal Cancer and Treatment Following Surgery for Colorectal Cancer. These booklets, each over 40 pages long, offer an invaluable resource to patients and caregivers. Printed copies of both booklets may be pre-ordered through the website and our toll-free Helpline (1-877-422-2030).

CCA's website provides printable versions of most of their educational materials. As a non-profit organization, the Internet has given us an inexpensive distribution mechanism for our materials," says Nancy Roach, CCA Connections Director. "Using software that allows people to download and print versions of our materials has allowed people to obtain those materials immediately and has kept our distribution costs low."

CCA also reviews other sites and resources relevant to the colorectal cancer community and offers links from their site to only the best and most reliable sources of information elsewhere. It's not our intention to duplicate what others have done, but rather to help people navigate through the wealth of information available. We pride ourselves on the information we provide. All links from our site have been thoroughly researched," says Sohn.

CCA's website continues to be the primary point of contact for CCAs Connections Program's support services. The support section of the site gives people access to over 50 personal stories where people can learn from each others experiences with the disease, the Buddy Network which offers one-on-one support, and the Chat Program which offers group support in an online environment.

The American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates that in the United States this year approximately 130,200 men and women will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer and 56,300 people will die from the disease. Despite its high incidence, colorectal cancer is one of the most detectable, and if found early enough, most treatable forms of cancer. Over 90% of those diagnosed while the cancer is still localized survive more than five years. Currently, however, only 37% of colorectal cancers are detected at this early stage.

CCA is an international non-profit patient support and advocacy group started by volunteers. CCA brings the voice of survivors to battle colorectal cancer through patient support, education, research, and advocacy. CCA has declared war on colorectal cancer and invites any and all organizations, government agencies, members of the medical community, and individuals to join in their determination to eradicate colorectal cancer. Information on CCA membership, support and information services, and sponsorship opportunities is available at www.CCAlliance.org, or by calling (212) 627-7451.