Colorectal cancer is one of the most-frequently diagnosed cancers in the world. In Europe, it is the second most common cancer. Every year during the month of March, we support the Blue March campaign organized by the ECCAM (European Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month) to raise public awareness of colorectal cancer screening.

Servier supports Blue March and the importance of colorectal cancer screening

Initiated by the Digestive Cancers Europe patient organization, the campaign aims to contribute to early diagnosis by improving colorectal cancer screening programs. It also seeks to increase available information on the disease and general awareness of it.

People with colon cancer frequently do not experience symptoms. This is why it is considered a silent disease, and is often diagnosed at late stages. It is therefore vital to be aware and consider:

• Getting screened: Colorectal cancer is one of the deadliest cancers. However, treatment at early stages of the disease can improve the survival rate to 90%.
• Adopting lifestyle changes: For example, reducing red meat, alcohol and tobacco consumption. Being overweight or obese is also a risk factor.
• Reading up on the disease: Knowing more about this disease and its signs and symptoms can help prevent onset and better understand it.

Learn more about colorectal cancer: Read our insight

Improving patient quality of life through the SHAPE program

We also collaborate with Digestive Cancers Europe on SHAPE¹, an international program offering support to people with gastrointestinal cancer.

Brochures have been co-created with patient experts, patient representatives, caregivers and health care professionals. They are intended to support digestive cancer patients and their families throughout their fight against the disease. These brochures cover many aspects of the patient’s journey, including emotional management (MyMood), exchanges with healthcare professionals (MyDialogue) and nutrition (MyFood). Finally, the MyJourney brochure offers a comprehensive vision of the treatment journey from diagnosis to treatment, including everyday disease management. New brochures entitled MyMove and MyWeb are now available.

In addition, as part of SHAPE, we are launching a call for innovative projects open to Group subsidiaries to support deployment and steering of local initiatives co-constructed with patients. The winners for the 2021-2022 edition include the HeartburnCancer.net information website from our British subsidiary, and the initiative from our Lithuanian subsidiary called Don’t let cancer disrupt your life. We are here to help you. The latter trains former patients to support patients battling the disease and their families.

Stefan Gijssels is a colon cancer survivor. He is the co-founder of the Digestive Cancers Europe association and president of the Patient Expert Center. In collaboration with patient associations, the mission of the Patient Expert Center is to train patients to become Patient Experts in the fields specific to their disease. In January 2023, Stefan Gijssels shared his fight against the disease with Group employees.

Our commitment to oncology

For several years, Servier has significantly strengthened its position in oncology, devoting over 50% of its R&D budget to the fight against cancer.

Improving care for patients suffering from cancer, particularly colorectal cancer, is at the heart of Servier’s mission. To this end, the Group contributes to developing models that help improve the understanding of diseases. In turn, this will make it possible for each patient to receive the most appropriate treatment for their condition.

Learn more: “Providing more dedicated treatments for more patients in colorectal cancer”, an interview with Dr. Nadia Caussé-Amellal, M.D, International Project Director at the Oncology and Immuno-Oncology Therapeutic Area (March 2021).

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[1] Support Harmonized Advances for better Patient Experiences