Thursday 10 April 2008
The Institute of Cancer Research and Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland (RIBI) have announced success in their joint cancer awareness campaign. Nearly two years after launching the campaign, a survey of over 350 Rotarians has shown that almost two-thirds (62 per cent) said that they understood stories that they read or heard about cancer research and approximately the same number (64 per cent) said that they felt a lot of progress was being made in research. These results come as the awareness drive reaches its peak at the RIBI annual conference in Blackpool this Friday.
The campaign was launched by The Institute and Rotary in 2006 to raise awareness of cancer among Rotarians and the wider community they serve. By distributing information leaflets, both organisations have been working to provide people with information about the signs, symptoms and treatment of cancer. The campaign also highlighted the importance of early detection in the successful treatment of cancer, ultimately helping to save lives.
Allan Jagger, President of Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland, said: "Supporting The Institute of Cancer Research has given Rotarians an opportunity to give service, in helping to raise awareness in their communities on the issues around cancer and the importance of early detection. I am delighted that the survey has shown the effectiveness of this awareness campaign."
The Rotary annual conference runs from 11-13 April and provides the perfect opportunity for raising awareness, with around 2,200 Rotary delegates expected to attend. Since the launch of the campaign, The Institute's world-class scientists have attended a number of regional Rotary conferences to give talks about the latest developments in research.
Hannah Crabtree, Communications Manager at The Institute of Cancer Research, said: "Our survey has shown how valuable it is to provide people with basic information about the signs and symptoms of cancer so that they are aware of the importance of early diagnosis. Thanks to our partnership with Rotary, The Institute has been able to get this message out to a much wider audience."
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For more information please contact:
Sushila Snell
The Institute of Cancer Research
0207 153 5380 / 07721747900
[email protected]
For information on Rotary please contact:
Judith Diment
07860 162313
Notes to editors:
About the survey
- Survey conducted by The Institute of Cancer Research. Over 350 Rotarians questioned between 3–31 March 2008.
About The Institute of Cancer Research
- The Institute of Cancer Research is Europe's leading cancer research centre with expert scientists working on cutting edge research. It was founded in 1909 to carry out research into the causes of cancer and to develop new strategies for its prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care. Website at: www.icr.ac.uk.
- The Institute is a charity that relies on voluntary income. The Institute is one of the world's most cost-effective major cancer research organisations with over 90p in every £ directly supporting research.
About Rotary
- Rotary is an organisation of business and professional men and women who provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards, and help to build goodwill and peace in the world. Members carry out this work in their community and/or overseas by giving their time and their expertise. A Rotary Club is open to men and women who are business, professional or community leaders who want to use their experience for the benefit of others. Paul Harris formed the world's first service club in Chicago on 23rd February 1905. The name Rotary is derived from the early practice of rotating meetings among members' offices. Today there are some 1.2 million Rotary club members of more than 30,000 clubs in more than 200 countries and geographical areas
- For general information on Rotary in your area, contact the local Rotary Club President, details from Robin Freeman, Secretary Rotary International in Great Britain & Ireland: 01789 765411, www.rotary-ribi.org.