FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jan. 26, 2016
CONTACT:
Lisa Berry
Lisa.Berry@PreventCancer.org
(703) 519-2107
WASHINGTON, D.C., Jan. 26, 2016 – The Prevent Cancer Foundation unveiled today Think About the Link®, a multi-year education campaign to increase awareness of the connection between certain viruses and cancer. The campaign comes at a time when new research shows few people understand this link and the importance of cancer prevention strategies. Think About the Link® is focused on three viruses linked to certain cancers: human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B and hepatitis C. The campaign aims to increase screening rates for the viruses, increase immunization rates for HPV and hepatitis B, and raise awareness of and access to available treatment options for hepatitis C.
“We have learned only a small fraction of people know particular vaccines and screenings can help prevent cancer,” said Carolyn R. Aldigé, Prevent Cancer Foundation president and founder. “This lack of understanding has left hundreds of thousands of Americans at risk of debilitating – and lethal – preventable cancers. We are committed to cancer prevention and the Foundation’s Think About the Link® campaign will help more people across the country take steps to protect themselves against viruses, and ultimately cancer.”
Too few people understand the link between viruses, certain cancers and how to reduce the risk that these viruses will lead to cancer. For example, vaccinations for HPV and hepatitis B, and screenings and treatment for hepatitis C are all critical prevention measures. In fact:[1]
- More than half (53 percent) of adults are not aware HPV can lead to cancer if untreated.
- More than half (57 percent) of adults are not aware that vaccination against HPV can significantly reduce the risk of certain cancers.
- Approximately 92 percent of adults believe more education is needed about the dangers of HPV.
- Sixty-seven percent of adults are not aware hepatitis B increases the risk of liver cancer.
- Seventy-six percent of adults are not aware that vaccination against hepatitis B can lower the risk of liver cancer.
- Seventy-three percent of adults are not aware that hepatitis C can be treated and cured, greatly reducing the risk of liver cancer.
- Only 7 percent of adults indicated their physicians have recommended one or more vaccines specifically to reduce cancer risk.
Think About the Link® will travel around the country to raise awareness about the link between certain viruses and cancer. Its ultimate goal is to help prevent cancer. The campaign will work to achieve additional goals of increasing awareness of the link between certain viruses and cancer, increasing immunization rates for HPV and hepatitis B, and increasing awareness of and access to treatment for hepatitis C.
About the Prevent Cancer Foundation
Since 1985, the Prevent Cancer Foundation®, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, has invested $142 million in support of cancer prevention research, education, outreach and advocacy nationwide and has played a pivotal role in developing a body of knowledge for prevention and early detection strategies. The Foundation is the only U.S. nonprofit organization solely devoted to cancer prevention and early detection. It has funded more than 450 scientists at more than 150 leading medical institutions across the country. The Foundation’s public education programs have applied this scientific knowledge to inform the public about ways they can reduce their cancer risk.
[i] Statistics sourced from a survey conducted by the Prevent Cancer Foundation® in partnership with Russell Research Firm.
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