Research & Development

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States, killing approximately 564,000 people annually. Cancer accounts for one of every four deaths in the United States. Surgical and therapeutic options currently available for treatment of cancer have been shown to be most effective on early stage disease. The importance of early detection reveals a clear need for novel diagnostic cancer tests.

diaDexus is committed to improving the diagnosis and management of specific cancers, focusing on ovarian, colorectal and breast cancers. diaDexus’ oncology diagnostics and oncology prognostics programs are focused on early detection and improved patient profiling to increase survival rates.

Below are some startling facts and figures on these diseases:¹

Ovarian Cancer

• Ranks second among gynecological cancers for women
• There are no sufficiently accurate screening tests currently available; the pelvic examination typically detects ovarian cancer when the disease is already in advanced stages
• If diagnosed at the localized stage, the 5-year survival rate is 94%
• Only 19% of all ovarian cancer cases are detected at the localized stage

Colorectal Cancer

• Third most common cancer in both men and women
• Colorectal cancer accounts for about 10% of all cancer deaths
• If diagnosed at the localized stage, the 5-year survival rate is 90%
• Only 39% of all colorectal cancer cases are detected at the localized stage

Breast Cancer

• Most frequently diagnosed cancer in women
• Breast cancer ranks second among cancer deaths in women
• If diagnosed at the localized stage, the 5-year survival rate is 98%
• In 2003, only 55% of women reported having a yearly mammogram

¹ Statistics from: “Cancer Facts and Figures 2006”, American Cancer Society