72% of men living with prostate cancer prioritise quality of life over effective management of their disease
Interim data from a survey sponsored by Orion Corporation and conducted by Opinion Health in prostate cancer patients in France and the UK showed that more than two thirds of men (72%) did not want the treatment for their condition to impact their lives[i].
Although they still also wish for efficacious treatment, 69% said they desire a balanced approach to the management of their disease that fits in with their everyday routinei, enabling them to live to the full.
In an additional survey which was undertaken with physicians at the European Association of Urology (EAU) Annual Congress in Barcelona, responses showed that 68% of patients frequently talk about quality of life matters during their visiti suggesting it is an important aspect of the discussion. Also for 76% of physicians, patients’ ability to continue with their life always plays a factor when making treatment decisionsi.
Prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer in men across Europe - 87,000 deaths occur annually[ii]. However, dependant on disease progression, men can live for many years managing their disease, and often mortality is due to other causes. The survey found that just 22% of prostate cancer patients are reminded of their condition only when visiting the doctors or receiving their treatment, but the remaining 78% are reminded daily, for instance when they are prevented from taking part in leisure activities or just when talking with family and friendi. To carry on in comfort without disruption and frequent reminders of the disease and maintaining a normal a life is most sought-after, while other patient research has mirrored that quality of life is the most desirable goal for patients[iii].
The patient survey questioned French and UK men living with prostate cancer, and was designed to show how the impact of the disease affects their daily lives; including their mental and physical well-being, relations with their families and carers, and where they seek information and support.
Dr. Louis Denis, Secretary at patient group Europa Uomo commented: “It is the mission of Europa Uomo to find ways and means to promote quality of life to help support patients, their families, and improve patient care. Prostate cancer patients deserve a good quality of life, and increasingly desire treatment that enables them to be fulfilled and active, in spite of their condition. These are men who have approached the prime of their life and want to enjoy it without the regular reminders that their illness causes. The results highlight that men want an individualised and personal treatment strategy that compliments their day to day living, not the other way round.”
The survey also found that although the condition affects daily routine and leading a normal life (e.g. sexual relations, leisure activities and sleep) 63% share their feelings with their partner, friends and familiesi, suggesting an increased need for support and emotional understanding, and highlighting the key role that family and close friends play in the management of prostate cancer.
The full patient survey results will be announced once completed.
ENDS
For more information please contact GCI Health:
Alison Wright (Director) +44 (0)207 331 4216 alison.wright@gcihealth.com
Caroline Butt (Senior Account Manager) +44 (0)207 331 5340 caroline.butt@gcihealth.com
NOTES TO EDITORS
About the patient survey
· The interim survey results were collected by Opinion Health via online methods, across 110 patients in France (N=55) and the UK (N=55) from 22 March to 6 April 2010.
· Full results will comprise 220 patient responses in total.
· Patients represent men over the age of 50, who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer for 3+ years
About the physician survey
· 100 physicians from across the world answered a questionnaire at the Orion Pharma trade exhibition stand onsite at the EAU (European Association of Urology) Annual Conference, which took place from Saturday 17th April to Tuesday 20th April 2010
About prostate cancer
Prostate cancer primarily affects men over the age of 50, and is the most common cancer in men in Europe, representing about a quarter of all new cases of cancer diagnosed in men. Approximately 190,000 new cases are indentified annually[iv]. The incidence of prostate cancer has increased significantly in many European countries over the last few decades, probably due to increased emphasis on screening and early diagnosis.
About Orion
Orion is an innovative European R&D-based pharmaceutical and diagnostic company with a special emphasis on developing medicinal treatments and diagnostic tests for global markets. Orion develops, manufactures and markets human and veterinary pharmaceuticals, active pharmaceutical ingredients and diagnostic tests. Orion's pharmaceutical R&D focuses on the following core therapy areas: central nervous system drugs, cancer and critical care drugs, and Easyhaler® pulmonary drugs.
The Group's net sales in 2009 amounted to EUR 772 million. The Company invested EUR 95 million in research and development.
At the end of 2009, the Group had a total of 3,100 employees, of whom 2,500 worked in Finland and 600 in other European countries. Orion's A and B shares are listed on NASDAQ OMX Helsinki.
Orion Corporation
ORION PHARMA
References
[i] Data on file – available on request
[ii] Ferlay J, Autier P, Boniol M, Heanue M, Colombet M, Boyle P. Estimates of the cancer incidence and mortality in Europe in 2006. Ann Oncol 2007;18(3):581-582.
[iii]Crawford. E.D, et al. Comparison of perspectives on prostate cancer: analyses of survey data. Urology: 1997 (50); 3, 366-372
[iv]Prostate Cancer (2008) Decision Resources Inc.