Through
the last four decades, the United Ostomy Association (UOA) and its successor organization, the United Ostomy Associations of America (UOAA), have
had a profound influence on improving the quality of life for
individuals with an ostomy or continent diversion. It is estimated
that 750,000 Americans are living with an ostomy and that 75,000
new surgeries are performed each year.
UOAA
is making a difference in a number of ways, including patient-to-patient
support, educational literature, a helping cyber-community, advocacy
and promoting earlier detection of colon cancer.
The Silicon Valley Ostomy Support Group, an affiliate of UOAA, is committed to improving
the quality of life for individuals with ostomy or continent diversion
who live in the San Jose metropolitan area.