The high incidence in Europe of digestive complaints in Europe and in particular the increase of these diseases in younger people points to an unhealthy diet and a lack of awareness about prevention and early diagnosis. The European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy hopes to reverse this trend by means of a major information campaign.
Munich, March 16, 2000 - The European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (E. S. G. E.), which brings together leading scientists from 38 countries across Europe, has set itself the goal of reducing the number of new cases of gastrointestinal and reflux diseases. So far, the activities of the Society have centred around diagnostic techniques, early diagnosis and therapy as well as by sharing experience and data on an international level and by carrying out studies.
Increasing numbers of diseases of the bowels and stomach are diagnosed every year world-wide. Digestive disorders are so common that around 30 million people in Europe currently suffer from a reflux disease. The risk of cancer increases with age and therefore increases globally in ageing populations. The burden of digestive cancer is high: in 1995 alone, 276,723 new cases of stomach and bowel cancer were diagnosed in Europe. It is noticeable that more people develop bowel cancer than stomach cancer and, according to the German Federal Statistical Office, more women contract bowel cancer than men; this is because they have a longer life span. When considering the absolute numbers, the highest figures are found of course in countries with the largest population such as Germany, Italy, UK and France. Based on a population of 100.000 inhabitants, the risk to suffer from cancer is higher in Denmark, Netherlands, Germany and France.
Professor René Lambert, a member of the E. S. G. E. from France and spokesperson for the PR Management Committee Digestive, pointed out that cancer detected at an early stage is curable. With respect to cancer prevention, Professor Lambert, explains that, while 10% of cases of bowel cancer are genetically induced, 90% of cases are so-called sporadic cancer. This means that they are influenced by environmental factors, most of them linked to diet. It is estimated that up to 70 % of cases could, in theory, be prevented by a control of unhealthy diets; this includes not only the excess in alcohol drinking but also the excess intake in calories, including too much fatty food and red meat and not enough vegetables. Therefore it is necessary to support preventive measures and educational work within the public.
Heartburn and acidic wind, symptoms with which everyone is familiar, can indicate the existence of a reflux disease. Reflux diseases cause gastric acid to flow back into the gullet where it results in considerable discomfort. 5-10% of the population of Europe suffer from reflux disease and unhealthy diet may play a significant role. Alarming reports from Europe show that young people, especially, tend to be overweight as a result of eating food which is too fatty and rich in calories, thus increasing the risk of reflux disease.
In order to reverse the trend of these shocking statistics and to protect more people from developing diseases of the bowels and stomach, the E. S. G. E. is now focusing its attention across Europe on the general public. Early diagnosis of cancer is of course a priority, however preventive measures should also be developed. Currently, an analysis is being made of all the studies carried out by the E. S. G. E. into the effects of food on new cases. The E. S. G. E. intends to promote awareness and provide the public with information about what they can do to stay healthy. This will be done through regular press releases, information brochures and videos, information in the internet and reports on radio and TV. In addition, the E. S. G. E. also wants to help people who already have bowel and stomach diseases by providing information about appropriate diagnosis techniques and therapies. Major screening programmes should improve the chances of early diagnosis. In order to give members of the public the opportunity to speak directly to specialists, the E. S. G. E. plans to initiate a European Stomach Day. On this day, anyone who is suffering from any of these disorders or anyone who is interested in finding out more will be able to phone up from anywhere in Europe and specialists from the E. S. G. E will answer their questions.
Further information, for the press only, is available from:
Dr. Anke Helten, Prof. Dr. René Lambert
Shandwick International Munich
Atonienstrasse 1, 80802 Munich, Germany
Tel. + 49 (89) 383879-0/ -19
Fax + 49 (89) 383879-38
ahelten@shandwick.de
(We will be very happy to send more detailed information about the E. S. G. E., on request)
The information contained in this press release may be freely reproduced, provided the source is acknowledged and receives a copy.
