ΞΕΝΗ ΔΗΜΟΣΙΕΥΣΗ-ΑΝΑΚΟΙΝΩΣΗ ΤΥΠΟΥ-PRN-Lymphoma Coalition
Source: Lymphoma Coalition Reference: PIV184844-UK Celebrities and Patients From Around the World Unite to Raise Awareness and Offer Hope to All Affected by Lymphoma LONDON, September 13/PRNewswire/ -- - New Global Research Reveals That Nearly Three-Quarters of People are Unaware That Lymphoma is a Form of Cancer - With Photo To mark the second World Lymphoma Awareness Day (WLAD), 50 people from 15 countries are preparing to tell their stories of how lymphoma has affected their lives. These people and their accounts of survival will serve as 'Beacons of Hope' for all those affected by lymphoma. In an effort to increase the awareness of lymphoma, countries around the world are hosting activities such as, the illumination of buildings or landmarks, candlelight vigils and photography competitions. Lymphoma, a cancer of the blood kills nearly 200,000 people every year, yet remains one of the most poorly publicly recognised forms of cancer. At a global event held in London, photographs of the 'Beacons of Hope' will be shown on The Shell Building, a landmark adjacent to the world famous London Eye, beginning on 13 September and ending on World Lymphoma Awareness Day, 15 September 2005. WLAD is an initiative of the Lymphoma Coalition, a network of patient groups from around the world. Lymphoma Coalition members have nominated the 'Beacons of Hope' because of the great strength and courage they have shown in tackling or supporting others with lymphoma. All 'Beacons' send a call to action for people around the world to be aware of the disease and its symptoms. The 'Beacons of Hope' include celebrities: model and TV personality, Nell McAndrew (UK); singer and songwriter, Darius Danesh (UK); actress Nati Mistral (Spain); professional hockey player Mario Lemieux (Canada); opera star, Anthony Warlow (Australia); and rock star, Fernando von Arb (Switzerland). "I am living proof that lymphoma can be treated and doesn't have to be a death sentence. I didn't even know what lymphoma was when the doctors diagnosed me - I thought I had no future," said 'Beacon of Hope' Vickie Maye, a reporter for the Irish Independent. "I have now been in remission for three years and just gave birth to a beautiful baby girl, which I never thought would happen. I am so proud to be a 'Beacon of Hope' and am grateful for this opportunity to educate the public about lymphoma." New Global Research Results The importance of WLAD and the 'Beacons of Hope' is reinforced by new NOP market research (1) conducted in Europe, Australia and the Americas indicating that nearly three-quarters of people surveyed are unaware that lymphoma is a form of cancer. These findings demonstrate that people are not conscious of this potentially life-threatening disease or its symptoms. The research also found that: - Less than 50% of people surveyed have any knowledge or understanding of lymphoma - Nearly three quarters of people (73%) are shocked and surprised by how little they know about lymphoma and want to know more - Less than a quarter (21%) of people globally are aware that lymphoma can be fatal within six months if not treated - Less than half of the people surveyed (48%) are aware of any lymphoma symptoms - Globally, men know less about lymphoma than women "These research findings indicate how little is known about this cancer, despite the fact that 1,000 people a day are diagnosed with lymphoma worldwide," commented Melanie Burfitt, Chief Executive of the UK's Lymphoma Association, a founding member of the Lymphoma Coalition. "The theme of this year's World Lymphoma Awareness Day is education and inspiration. Through the 'Beacons of Hope' stories, we highlight some of the amazing people around the world affected by lymphoma." Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system. If left untreated some types of lymphoma can be fatal within six months, however certain lymphomas are curable if treated appropriately. With well in excess of one million people living with lymphoma today, the Lymphoma Coalition estimates that approximately 350,000 new cases of lymphoma are diagnosed every year. Professor Gilles Salles, a leading global haematologist at Centre Hospitalier Lyon-Sud, Lyon, France noted, "Often people show symptoms well before they see a doctor and for many, being diagnosed with lymphoma is the worst moment in their life. When people hear that they have cancer, they tend to panic. If people are aware of the symptoms, they are more likely to receive early and accurate diagnosis, leading to effective treatment. This can ultimately improve their prognosis and quality of life. Events such as World Lymphoma Awareness Day are essential in helping people recognise the signs of lymphoma sooner rather than later." In 2004, the Lymphoma Coalition established the first World Lymphoma Awareness Day to improve symptom recognition globally and increase accurate diagnosis and treatment, improving the lives of those affected by lymphoma. World Lymphoma Awareness Day is endorsed by the International Union Against Cancer (UICC). The UICC is a non-governmental organisation in official relations with the World Health Organisation. About the Lymphoma Coalition The Lymphoma Coalition is a global initiative dedicated to raising awareness of lymphoma, an increasingly common form of cancer. The Coalition hopes to improve symptom recognition globally and increase early diagnosis and treatment, thus improving the lives of those affected by lymphoma. For more information on lymphoma or the Lymphoma Coalition please visit www.lymphomacoalition.org . About World Lymphoma Awareness Day (WLAD) The Lymphoma Coalition launched WLAD as a platform to raise awareness of lymphoma, increase symptom recognition and ensure accurate diagnosis. WLAD provides a news focus for awareness activities on a global and local basis and is becoming an increasingly important date in the global health calendar. For more information about World Lymphoma Awareness Day visit www.lymphomacoalition.org . All 'Beacons of Hope' stories can be found on the website, as well as useful lymphoma information, including a symptom alert checklist and questions to ask your doctor if diagnosed with lymphoma. WLAD is sponsored through an educational grant from Roche Pharmaceuticals. Note to Editors: A picture accompanying this release is available through the PA Photowire. It can be viewed at www.mediapoint.press.net A picture accompanying this release is available from the European Pressphoto Agency (EPA) at Broadcast journalists: Interview footage of 'Beacons of Hope', medical experts and Lymphoma Coalition members, as well as footage of the building lighting can be viewed and downloaded via www.thenewsmarket.com . (1) Statistically significant sample size. Research conducted in Australia, Brazil, Germany, Spain and United Kingdom Source: Lymphoma Coalition To interview spokespeople or request more information, please contact: Lucy Rispin, Mob: +44-7789-914-901, E: lucy.rispin@ketchum.com . Danny Stepto, Mob: +44-7957-915-691, E: danny.stepto@ketchum.com . Stacey Pfeffer, Mob: +44-7843-665-877, E: stacey.pfeffer@ketchum.com
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