Category: Factual
& Arts TV; Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ
THREE
Date: 29.10.2004
Printable version
Survey
commissioned for Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ THREE's You, Me and Cancer season suggests 59%
of 25 to 34 year olds have been affected by cancer in some way in last
five to 10 years
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Using the Ipsos Quest Panel, the research - the first
of its kind conducted amongst this age group - aims to understand what
experiences this 'silent majority' have had with cancer, whether diagnosed
themselves, or carers, relatives or friends of people with the disease.
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It also asked about the kind of resources and support
that is looked for and used by this age group when confronted with cancer.
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The Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ THREE You, Me and Cancer season aims to further
raise cancer awareness amongst a younger audience and rounds off a week
of special programming with a special concert, The Big C, at
London's Alexandra Palace tomorrow.
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Sara Hiom, Cancer Research UK's Head of Health Information,
says: "With the numbers affected by cancer in the UK increasing
yearly, the provision of clear, accurate and targeted information about
the disease, its prevention and treatment is vital.
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"Studies such as this one are clearly important
to help us better inform people about cancer, and equip them to support
others."
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17% of respondents had a parent diagnosed with cancer
49% had family member other than sibling, parent or child diagnosed
with cancer
Just under 2% had been diagnosed themselves in the last five to ten
years
32% had friends who had been diagnosed
Breast cancer was the most commonly quoted cancer at 35%, followed by
lung cancer at 19%
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Thirty per cent of respondents offered further support
to a friend or relative with the disease.
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Of those, a big majority Β– 80% Β– offered emotional
support, 25% offered practical help, and a further 25% sought to provide
further information about the condition and/or medical care available.
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Women were more likely to offer advice than men, with
men preferring to offer practical help.
When looking for information from someone other than a medical professional,
most - 64% - went to hospitals, closely followed by websites (63%) and
leaflets (54%). 82% of men chose to approach hospitals and 60% of women
looked on the internet.
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Around half of those who sought additional information
thought there was enough available for patients themselves and a third
thought that there was a sufficient amount available for friends, relatives
or carers.
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Although local support groups were used by only 10%
of those that wanted further information from someone other than a medical
professional, over 80% found them useful.
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CancerBACUP Chief Executive Joanne Rule says: "We
know from the number of visitors to our website that there is a huge
demand for up to date, independent, high quality information about cancer
from patients, their families and friends.
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"This survey also reveals the extent of the impact
that cancer has on a generation of young adults, a 'silent majority'
whose own needs are often not highlighted.
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"We hope this Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ THREE poll and its You, Me and
Cancer season raises awareness amongst this age group of the sources
of information and support that are available to them."
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Notes to Editors
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Pictures from The Big C concert rehearsals will be available to the
media from later this afternoon (Friday 29 October).
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The Big C (Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ THREE, Saturday 30 October, 8.00pm): concert at Alexandra
Palace to help raise cancer awareness amongst a younger audience.
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Line-up includes Travis, Lost Prophets,
Delta Goodrem, Razorlight, Brian McFadden, Goldie
Looking Chain and Lemar.
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It will feature short films telling the personal stories
of people whose lives have been affected by cancer.
Further advice, support and information is available from bbc.co.uk/bbcthree
and the freephone Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Action Line - 0800 056 6065.
Quest is a panel run by Ipsos UK on behalf of the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ and ITV. For this
research, 652 respondents aged 25-34 answered the questionnaire.
CancerBACUP is the only national charity that specialises in providing
information on all types of cancer.
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It offers high quality, independent information, practical
advice and support to anyone affected by cancer via a freephone helpline
- 0808 800 1234 - staffed by specialist cancer nurses, a website at
www.cancerbacup.org.uk, and a network of local drop-in centres across
the country.
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It supplies an extensive range of free publications
and fact sheets written specifically for cancer patients and their families.
Cancer Research UK is the world's leading independent charity dedicated
to research on the causes, treatment and prevention of cancer.
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The charity works alone and in partnership with others
to carry out research into the biology and causes of cancer, to develop
effective treatments, improve the quality of life for cancer patients,
and reduce the number of people getting cancer and to provide authoritative
information on cancer.
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For further information about the charity's work or
to find out how to support the charity, call 020 7009 8820 or visit
www.cancerresearchuk.org.
