Salix Pharmaceuticals, Walgreens Launch Colorectal Cancer Awareness Effort

RALEIGH, N.C. – Salix Pharmaceuticals will work with Walgreens and the Colon Cancer Alliance to launch an awareness campaign about colorectal cancer and the need for more screenings.

The campaign will be launched in March. It will include brochures to be distributed at more than 5,600 Walgreen pharmacies and an online information campaign. The alliance will also be available through a toll-free hotline.

“Although screening for colorectal cancer often leads to early detection and saves lives, national statistics suggest that fewer than 50 percent of those who are eligible go for screenings,” the partners said in a statement.

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. and is diagnosed in more than 150,000 Americans each year.

Salix focuses on treatments for gastrointestinal diseases.