Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network Launches Hope After Recurrence™ Campaign

BETHESDA, Md., May 5, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network (BCAN) today announced the launch of the Hope After Recurrence™ campaign -- an educational awareness program designed to provide support, information and hope to survivors with recurring non-muscle invasive bladder cancer and their loved ones. The campaign fills an important need with educational resources and community support for the recurring non-muscle invasive bladder cancer survivors in the United States, many of whom are at risk of experiencing disease recurrence.

Bladder cancer is the fifth most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States -- fourth among men and 11th among women. Bladder cancer is often a repeat offender. Even in survivors who are treated according to practice guidelines, non-muscle invasive bladder cancer has a reported 50 to 90 percent probability of recurrence.

"Despite its prevalence, bladder cancer receives little publicity or notice," said Diane Zipursky Quale, co-founder and president of BCAN. "We founded BCAN in 2005 to increase awareness about the disease and provide educational and support services for the bladder cancer community. The Hope After Recurrence program continues this effort by providing additional support and resources specifically for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer survivors experiencing recurrence."

The goal of the Hope After Recurrence program is to support survivors who are facing non-muscle invasive bladder cancer recurrence by providing information on the condition, offering tools and resources, and helping them feel connected to others who are experiencing a return of their bladder cancer. This resource was developed so survivors can more effectively collaborate with their doctors to help manage their condition and treatment options. In addition to printed materials available in urology and cancer centers, the Hope After Recurrence campaign offers a centralized, comprehensive online resource -- www.HopeAfterRecurrence.com -- with educational information to help survivors better understand and feel empowered to deal with their recurrent bladder cancer diagnosis.  

"We are pleased to partner with BCAN on this initiative to provide hope and encouragement for recurrent non-muscle invasive bladder cancer survivors and their families," said Brian Lortie, Senior Vice President, Branded Pharmaceuticals at Endo Pharmaceuticals.  "With the Hope After Recurrence program, we've created a vehicle through which survivors can share their inspirational stories with others and a place where non-muscle invasive bladder cancer patients can come for a true support system."

The Hope After Recurrence campaign is made possible with support from Endo Pharmaceuticals.

For more information about the Hope After Recurrence campaign, visit www.HopeAfterRecurrence.com. For more information about BCAN, visit www.BCAN.org.    

About the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network  

The Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network (BCAN-pronounced beacon) is the first national advocacy organization dedicated to increasing bladder cancer awareness, advancing bladder cancer research, and providing educational and support services to the bladder cancer community. Founded in May 2005, BCAN is a cooperative effort among bladder cancer survivors, their families and caregivers, and the medical community. BCAN recently organized events in over a dozen cities across the US for the first National Bladder Cancer Awareness Day on July 17, 2010. To learn more about BCAN or Bladder Cancer Awareness Day, please visit www.bcan.org or call 888-901-BCAN.  

About Endo Pharmaceuticals Inc.

Endo Pharmaceuticals is a U.S.-based, specialty healthcare solutions company, focused on high-value branded products and specialty generics. Endo is redefining its position in the healthcare marketplace by anticipating and embracing the evolution of health decisions based on the need for high-quality and cost-effective care. We aim to be the premier partner to healthcare professionals and payment providers, delivering an innovative suite of complementary diagnostics, drugs, devices and clinical data to meet the needs of patients in areas such as pain, urology, oncology and endocrinology. For more information about Endo Pharmaceuticals, and its wholly owned subsidiary HealthTronics, Inc., please visit www.endo.com.  

SOURCE Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network