Wed, 13 May 1998 12:53:01 GM

STRATFORD, CONN. (May 13) BW HEALTHWIRE - Thanks to a new testing program
from DIANON Systems, Inc., Ashkenazi Jews can now take a simple cheek swab
test to determine if they carry an altered gene associated with an
increased risk of Familial Colorectal Cancer (FCC).

Of the estimated six million Jews in the United States, 95 percent are of
Ashkenazic descent, from Central and Eastern Europe. Approximately six
percent of them -- or 360,000 people -- carry this new gene mutation which
was discovered last year by researchers at Johns Hopkins Medical
Institutions and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. People with this
mutation have an increased lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer,
and often have relatives with colon cancer or have a personal history of
colon polyps.

"For these individuals, knowing if you have the altered gene and discussing
a prevention and early detection program with your physician is the best
defense against FCC," said J. Arthur Steinberg, MD, director of medical
management at DIANON. The Ashkenazic FCC test is particularly useful for
people who have at least one first-degree relative -- a parent, sibling, or
child -- with a history of either colon cancer or precancerous polyps. Dr.
Steinberg added, "According to the Baltimore study's results, a person with
the Ashkenazic FCC gene mutation has an 18-30 percent chance -- or double
that of other Ashkenazi Jews -- of developing colon cancer in their
lifetime. Regularly scheduled colonoscopy exams can catch the disease in
its earliest and most curable stages."

DIANON's program includes a dedicated toll free number for interested
individuals and groups to call for information about gene testing and
referrals to testing locations. The company will send callers a
comprehensive pre-test guide explaining FCC and the test procedure along
with the names, if available, of at least two nearby physicians who are
offering the test.

"People are uncertain about the medical and ethical ramifications of
genetic testing," remarked Dr. Steinberg. "This is why DIANON's
comprehensive education program, called CarePath(TM), is so valuable for
this type of testing. In addition to consulting with their physicians,
patients can use our pre-test guide to make more informed decisions."

Along with the test results, physicians will receive a detailed Patient
Counseling Report to share with their patients. Commented Dr. Steinberg,
"This counseling report is unique to each patient and will allow physicians
to more effectively discuss the implications of their test results."

The Ashkenazic Familial Colorectal Cancer Gene Mutation Program will be
exhibited at the annual National Digestive Disease Week Convention in New
Orleans, on May 17, where 14,000 gastroenterologists and other experts will
gather. Attendees of Ashkenazic heritage will be invited to take the gene
swab test.
The procedure was originally performed as a blood test. The new DIANON test
will enable physicians to rub a small, soft swab on the inside of the
patient's cheek to gather cells. DIANON will report results to the
submitting physician within two weeks.

Test results will be kept completely confidential. DIANON will not share
results with insurance companies or employers without patient consent.
Should individuals choose to submit an insurance claim, they can do so at
any time. The test costs about $180 and will be covered by some insurance
plans. Currently the test is available in all states except New York, which
is anticipated in June.

DIANON Systems provides a full line of anatomic pathology testing services
and a number of specialized genetic testing services to physicians,
patients and managed care organizations throughout the United States.
For more information about the test call: 888/385-4083 or, starting May 20,
visit DIANON's new website at http://www.DIANON.com.