Covidien Participates in National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

--(BUSINESS WIRE)--BACKGROUND:

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, the goal of which is to inform the public about the prevalence, risk factors and prevention of this disease (cancer of the colon or rectum). In addition, it is to remind individuals over the age 50 or who are at high-risk due to family or health history, the critical nature of having regular screenings.

Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related death in the U.S. During 2008, an estimated 14,810 new cases will be diagnosed and 49,960 people will die from the disease. However, despite recommended screening — which can prevent the disease from developing or find it at an early stage when treatment is most likely to be successful — many people are still not being screened. Researchers estimate that if everyone over the age 50 had regular screenings, as many as one-third of deaths from the disease would be prevented.

WHEN TO TEST:(1)
Tests that Find Pre-Cancer and Cancer:
-- Colonoscopy			every 10 years
-- Flexible sigmoidoscopy			every 5 years
-- Virtual colonoscopy (CT colonography)			every 5 years
-- Double contrast barium enema			every 5 years
Tests that Mainly Find Cancer:
-- Fecal occult blood test (FOBT)			every year
-- Fecal immunochemical test (FIT)			every year
-- Stool DNA test (sDNA)			ask health care professional

In recognition of National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, the Energy-based Devices Global Business Unit (GBU) of Covidien Ltd. (NYSE: COV, BSX: COV), the world leader in advanced energy-based surgical systems, is supporting educational programs on colorectal health at more than 50 hospitals throughout the United States.

Covidien Energy-based Devices is committed to raising public awareness of colorectal cancer.

More than 2,300 Buddy Bracelets bearing the words, “Preventable, Beatable, Treatable,” will be distributed to members of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS) throughout the month.

(1) American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts & Figures 2008. Atlanta, Ga: American Cancer Society; 2008: 5-6.

ABOUT COVIDIEN LTD.

Covidien is a leading global healthcare products company that creates innovative medical solutions for better patient outcomes and delivers value through clinical leadership and excellence. Covidien manufactures, distributes and services a diverse range of industry-leading product lines in four segments: Medical Devices, Imaging Solutions, Pharmaceutical Products and Medical Supplies. With 2007 revenue of nearly $9 billion, Covidien has more than 43,000 employees worldwide in 57 countries, and its products are sold in over 130 countries. Please visit www.covidien.com to learn more about our business.