Synopsis for March 14, 2003

The MMWR is embargoed until Noon ET, Thursdays.

1. Colorectal Cancer Test Use Among Persons Aged > 50 Years -- United States, 2001
2. Donated Television Airplay of Colorectal Cancer Education Public Service Announcements -- United States, 1999-2002
3. Poisoning by an Illegally Imported Chinese Rodenticide Containing Tetramethylenedisulfotetramine -- New York City, 2002
4. Smallpox Vaccine Adverse Events among Civilians -- United States, March 4-10, 2003

Synopsis for March 14, 2003

Colorectal Cancer Test Use Among Persons Aged > 50 Years -- United States, 2001

Colorectal cancer test use has increased slightly in the last 5 years, but almost half of adults > 50 years have not received testing within the recommended screening interval.

The underutilization of testing for colorectal cancer, the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States, continues to be an important public health problem. Research findings from the 2001 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), a national telephone survey, report that testing among adults aged 50 and older, the age group for whom screening is recommended, is low. Although there has been a slight increase in testing, almost half (47%) of respondents aged 50 and older had not received tests for colorectal cancer within the recommended screening intervals. Overall, testing for colorectal cancer remains low. This common cancer is treatable and largely preventable through regular screening. Fact Sheet: Colorectal Cancer Screening.

Donated Television Airplay of Colorectal Cancer Education Public Service Announcements -- United States, 1999-2002

The Screen for Life (SFL) campaign is one of many strategies designed to educate Americans about the importance of colorectal cancer screening.

The "SFL: National Colorectal Cancer Action Campaign" educates Americans about the importance of colorectal cancer screening for adults over age 50. Launched in 1999, SFL is part of CDC’s multifaceted approach to increasing screening for colorectal cancer. A critical element of SFL is television public service announcements (PSAs), broadcast as donated airtime. This report summarizes airplay from 1999-2002. PSAs aired 41,624 times, with 749 million audience impressions, worth about $4.3 million. The PSAs aired at least once in 94% of television markets. Forty-one percent of plays occurred during daytime (6:00 a.m. – 7:59 p.m.); 54% occurred overnight (11:00 p.m. – 5:59 a.m.); and 5% occurred during primetime (8:00 p.m. –10:59 p.m.). Of note, primetime airplay accounted for 14% of total audience impressions.

Poisoning by an Illegally Imported Chinese Rodenticide Containing Tetramethylenedisulfotetramine -- New York City, 2002

Illegally imported foreign products can result in exposures to unusual toxic chemicals.

In May 2002, a previously healthy 15-month-old infant became seriously ill after her parents found her playing with a white rodenticide powder they had brought from China. The child experienced seizures and required intubation but was later released from the hospital. As of January 2003, the child remains severely developmentally delayed and still experiences seizures. The rodenticide, the child was exposed to, is odorless, tasteless and water-soluble. This particular product has never been registered by the Environmental Protection Agency for use in the United States, and its importation, manufacture and use in this country are illegal.

Smallpox Vaccine Adverse Events among Civilians -- United States, March 4-10, 2003

Summary Not Available.

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