Most Americans are clueless about what prostatis is. Surprisingly, of those who claim to be knowledgeable, 16% believe that the condition can affect both men and women. In
response to this bleak awareness, the American Foundation for Urologic Disease, the Men's Health Network and Bayer Corp. are launching a national public awareness campaign to
educate consumers about prostatits, an inflammation of the prostate gland.
To increase consumer understanding of this condition, the survey suggests that the campaign will have to start at ground zero. For instance:
- 84% of those surveyed said they had never heard of prostatis.
- Of the remaining respondents, 45% said they were "somewhat" knowledgeable and 13% said they were "very" knowledgeable.
- 83% of those who consider themselves knowledgeable about this condition, believe prostatis is a warning symptom or leading indicator of prostate cancer.
- While 60% of those with some understanding of what prostatis is know that antibiotics are an effective treatment, many falsely believe that surgery (58%) and chemotherapy
(39%) are appropriate treatments.
To clear up these misperceptions, the campaign is promoting free brochures about prostatits, its symptoms, diagnostic tests and available treatments via a toll-free hotline and
two Web sites, http://www.afud.org and http://www.menshealthnetwork.org. Online campaign elements
also include a quiz and fact sheet.
(Bayer Corp. Marc Greene, 212/229-8400)