ADVISORY/Women Smokers At Higher Risk For Bladder Cancer, Study Alleges.

Business Editors

ADVISORY...

--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 4, 2001

TOPIC: According to a new study, female smokers may face a higher risk of
bladder cancer than males who smoke the same amount. The study by University of
Southern California researchers compared the smoking habits of 1,514 Los
Angeles-area bladder cancer patients with the same number of cancer-free
people, according to a story by CNN. Cigarette smokers appeared to be more than
twice as likely than nonsmokers to experience bladder cancer, the study said,
and in almost every case womens' risk seemed higher than men's, CNN reported.
For the heaviest smokers -- 40 cigarettes a day for 40 years -- women's risk
reportedly was twice that of men's, the study said. Some experts, however, are
skeptical of the study's findings, CNN reported. EXPERTS: ExpertSource can
offer several highly qualified experts to comment on this story:

J. Richard Williams, M.D., Executive Vice President and Chief Patient Care Officer of VITAS Healthcare Corporation, is a recognized authority on non-invasive symptom management. He believes that a keen sensitivity to patient needs, combined with the ingenuity of care, is more effective palliative treatment than advanced technology. He is a frequent speaker about the medical direction of hospice care and the physician's role in assuring quality. Dr. Williams is responsible for the Clinical Operations functions of VITAS Healthcare Corporation, the nation's leading provider of innovative hospice services. He has led the company's efforts to provide innovative, high-quality methods of caring for people with various terminal diagnoses. Board certified in oncology and internal medicine, Dr. Williams has concentrated his medical career on caring for terminally ill patients in both institutional and home settings. As a practicing oncologist in Texas, Dr. Williams co-founded Texas Oncology, P.A., a statewide network of oncologists that consults and treats cancer patients. PR: Candice Fernandez [e-mail]; 305/350-6337.

Prof. Jun Liu is a cancer researcher at MIT. 617/253-5750

Ms. Till has been involved in teaching, training, product development and marketing of health management programs for more than 18 years. She has co-authored lifestyle intervention programs used nationally by corporations, managed care organizations and individuals in the areas of smoking cessation, stress management, nutrition/weight management and self-esteem. PR: Adrienne Lenhoff [e-mail]

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