PADI and Duke University Medical Center Explore the Benefits of Scuba Diving for Breast Cancer Survivors
Leading Scuba Diving Organization Supports New Medical Study to Assess Survivors' Activity Levels
RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA, Calif., Oct. 4, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- PADI, the world's largest diver training organization, today announced its support of a new study commissioned by Duke University Medical Center to improve the understanding of the health benefits of scuba diving among people who have survived breast cancer. Dubbed "Project Pink Tank," the initial research will begin with a survey to select PADI eNewsletter databases, The Undersea Journal subscribers, and PADI social networks, which will be distributed to more than 785,000 scuba divers this October in conjunction with Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The survey results will be compiled and analyzed by researchers at Duke University Medical Center to assess the activity levels and health of divers who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. The results are expected to be published by Duke University Medical Center in early May of 2012 in a peer-reviewed publication, and also will be presented at its 2013 consensus conference for medical professionals.
"Scuba diving is a life changing activity that everyone should be able to experience. PADI is pleased to support this unique study in an effort to help breast cancer survivors enjoy the thrills and benefits of diving," says Kristin Valette, vice president of marketing and communications for PADI Americas. "We hope that the results from this survey will provide further insight for medical researchers to uncover positive links to scuba diving that will empower more breast cancer survivors to dive into adventure."
"It is our goal to help cancer survivors understand that they should not feel inhibited after treatment because it is possible for them to partake in all forms of activities. We are grateful to partner with PADI on such a significant study that will open new doors for survivors," says Dawn Kernagis, PhD candidate, Duke University Medical Center. "The knowledge we gain from this survey will be beneficial in creating a platform for future research and dive medicine consensus conferences that will help spread this message through the cancer survivorship community."
PADI will promote the survey on PADI.com and through its various communication channels including The Undersea Journal quarterly publication, as well as its Surface Interval and Dear Fellow Diver eNewsletters, providing access to a community of more than 785,000 PADI Divers and Professionals to support the "Project Pink Tank" study. To access the survey, which will remain live through January 31, 2012, please visit http://pinktank.org.
About PADI
PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) is the world's largest diver training organization, with more than 135,000 trained PADI Professionals dedicated to introducing new divers to the thrill of scuba diving and enhancing the skills of experienced divers through its 6,000 dive centers and resorts worldwide. PADI Members obtain close to 1,000,000 certifications worldwide each year, advancing and encouraging the exploration of the ocean, while maintaining the highest industry standards for dive training, safety and customer service. For more information, visit www.padi.com.
Contact: Margee Macdonell
Formula
619-234-0345
[email protected]
SOURCE PADI
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