#USA #Abbott Park #Colon Cancer #Cologuard Plus #Gabriela Spanic

Abbott Unveils Campaign with Gabriela Spanic

Abbott has recently launched a new health awareness campaign in Spanish featuring the well-known actress Gabriela Spanic, who is recognized for her work in telenovelas. This initiative aims to encourage Hispanic adults to undergo colon cancer screenings, emphasizing that these procedures don’t have to be daunting. The campaign, leveraging the dramatic flair typical of telenovelas, seeks to make serious health conversations more relatable and compelling.

Colon cancer stands as the second leading cause of cancer death among Hispanic men and the third among women in this demographic. The urgency for early detection is clear: when caught early, about 90% of patients survive five years or longer post-diagnosis. However, only about 53% of eligible Hispanic adults in the U.S. are up to date with recommended screenings, despite guidelines from the American Cancer Society advocating for screenings starting at age 45.

Dr. Xavier Llor, a gastroenterologist at Yale Medicine, highlighted the preventable nature of colon cancer, stressing that many in the Hispanic community receive their diagnoses only after the disease has progressed. Early screenings are vital, he explains, as they can detect colon cancer when treatment is most effective. With this campaign, Spanic aims to leverage her platform to raise awareness about cancer detection and improve health outcomes within Hispanic communities.

“Within our community, there are significant health issues that we don’t always discuss—colon cancer detection being one,” Spanic noted. “Having these conversations could encourage loved ones to take action and get screened. I’m proud to partner with Abbott to remind people that screenings can be simple, and early detection could save lives.”

The campaign infuses humor into its messaging through dynamic advertisements featuring Spanic, who conveys a straightforward message: while life may have its dramatic moments, getting screened for colon cancer does not have to be one of them. Cologuard Plus, the FDA-approved screening test highlighted in the campaign, offers a non-invasive and convenient option for individuals aged 45 and older at average risk. It can be taken at home without special preparation or dietary changes.

Clinical studies suggest that Cologuard Plus is one of the most accurate non-invasive colon cancer screening methods available, capable of detecting 95% of colon cancers—comparable to traditional endoscopy. After being prescribed by a healthcare provider, the test is sent directly to the patient's home, allowing them to complete it at their convenience before returning it to the laboratory.

Peter Wood, Abbott’s vice president of cancer diagnostics, expressed hope that the humor in the campaign will facilitate difficult conversations around health. “Everyone deserves access to information that helps them make informed decisions about their health. We hope this campaign turns awareness into action by encouraging more Hispanic adults to consult their healthcare providers about Cologuard Plus and get screened for colon cancer,” Wood said.

Individuals aged 45 and older who are at average risk for colon cancer are advised to speak with their healthcare providers to determine if Cologuard Plus is suitable for them. More information and the option to request a kit is available at Cologuard.com, with resources accessible in Spanish at Cologuard.com/prueba.

About Abbott

Abbott is a global leader in healthcare, dedicated to helping people lead fuller lives at every stage. Our diverse portfolio of transformative technologies spans a wide range of medical fields, including diagnostics, medical devices, nutritional products, and brand-name generics. With a workforce of 122,000 across over 160 countries, we remain committed to innovation in healthcare.

About Cologuard Plus®

Developed in collaboration with Mayo Clinic, Cologuard Plus® is an FDA-approved non-invasive colon cancer screening option for adults aged 45 and older with average risk. This at-home test identifies DNA and blood biomarkers in stool that are associated with colon cancer and advanced precancerous lesions, eliminating the need for special preparation and allowing for convenience in testing. Millions have utilized Cologuard tests for cancer detection, reinforcing Abbott's commitment to enhancing access to critical screenings.