FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Meredith Stone/John Scally
G.S. Schwartz & Co.
(212) 725-4500
stone@schwartz.com
SIGNIFICANT
PUBLIC MISCONCEPTIONS PERSIST ABOUT COLORECTAL
CANCER SCREENING, SAY SPECIALISTS IN EXCLUSIVE SURVEY
--
Leading Cancer Experts to Discuss Screening, Prevention and Treatment
at Largest International Medical Conference on Colorectal Cancer --
Alpharetta, Georgia,
May XX, 2003 – More than 40% of colorectal cancer specialists surveyed
worldwide say the most common misconception about colorectal cancer screening
is that the exam is painful. One-quarter of experts report the second largest
misconception is the belief that physically fit people who practice good
nutrition are not at risk for colorectal cancer.
The
survey, conducted by leading medical conference organizer Imedex®,
Inc., surveyed 226 medical and radiation
oncologists, surgeons, and gastroenterologists and other leading oncology professionals worldwide.
The
most significant challenge in the battle against colorectal cancer – the
second leading cancer killer in the United
States and other countries – is convincing
people to undergo regular screening, according to 38% of survey respondents.
In addition, 14% of experts say the biggest challenge is people
who believe colorectal cancer is terminal and consider the test unnecessary;
13% cite people who falsely believe a lack of family history of the disease
means little or no risk for themselves.
Although
more than one-third of deaths from colorectal cancer could be avoided
if people aged 50 and older were screened regularly, American’s screening
rates remain low, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
In 2001, only 53.1 percent of U.S.
men and women aged 50 years and older have received colorectal cancer
testing within the recommended screening periods.
Many other countries are facing similar issues.
More
than 1,200 colorectal cancer specialists will gather to discuss the latest
colorectal cancer research and treatments from June 26-28, 2003 in Barcelona, Spain at PICC 2003 – Perspectives in Colorectal Cancer --
the largest international conference focusing solely on colorectal cancer.
"Colorectal cancer screening, early and often, is
key to a greater chance of survival, yet this survey reveals that there
is still much progress to be made in terms of public awareness and action,”
says Belgian oncologist Dr. Eric Van Cutsem,
co-chair of the PICC organizing committee.
“Even though there is a greater awareness of this disease, there
are still major fallacies and misunderstanding among the worldwide public.”
Additional
survey highlights:
- The most effective way to lower the risk of colorectal
cancer
43% Increase fiber consumption
32% Limit dietary fat consumption
9% Exclude excessive alcohol use
and smoking
9% Exercise
- The most significant challenge in the battle against
colorectal cancer
38% Convincing people to undergo regular screening
30% Improving treatment outcome
17% Encouraging people to change lifestyle to reduce
risk
- Expected to have the most progress over the next
few years
31% Improved diagnostic tools for early detection
23% Greater public awareness
19% Improved effectiveness of treatment
18% Increased research on the disease and treatment
PICC 2003 – Perspectives
in Colorectal Cancer
Perspectives in Colorectal Cancer, now in its fifth year,
is the first opportunity for colorectal cancer specialists to evaluate
and discuss research results presented at the American Society of Clinical
Oncology meeting three weeks prior. Co-chairs
Dr. Eric Van Cutsem of the University Hospital
Gasthuisberg in Leuven, Belgium; Dr. Mario Dicato of the Luxembourg Medical Center and Jacques Wils of Laurentius Hospital in Roermond, The Netherlands,
have assembled a faculty of more than 35 expert specialists from 14 countries
for the conference.
Conference information is available online at www.picccongress.com or by contacting
Imedex, the conference secretariat.
About
Imedex®, Inc.
Based in Alpharetta, Georgia, USA, Imedex®, Inc.
is an accredited provider of continuing
medical education services. With 20 years experience, Imedex is an
industry leader in developing premiere medical meetings and symposia worldwide,
association management and sponsor acquisition/exhibit management.
For additional information, visit Imedex online at www.imedex.com |
