New, Informative European Association Of Urology Website Launched Urologyweek.org

Main Category: Urology / Nephrology
Also Included In: IT / Internet / E-mail
Article Date: 19 Jul 2008 - 1:00 PDT

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The European Association of Urology (EAU) launched a new website recently as platform for the promotional activities for the first European Urology Week, which will be organised from 15 to 19 September. www.urologyweek.org is a general public-oriented site which should provide people with information about urological conditions and when to seek help from a urologist. The site currently includes data about three major pathologies - prostate conditions, urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction - in the form of patient and expert interviews, film footage, background articles, etc. Information on national activities related to the Urology Week programme will also be made available and continuously updated, including data on the participating national urological associations.

Every year 346,000 new cases of prostate cancer are detected in Europe alone. At least 1 in 10 people age 65 or older suffers from urinary incontinence, the involuntary loss of urine. And epidemiologic data indicate that erectile dysfunction (ED) is a significant problem among men worldwide. As many as 42.8 million men are expected to suffer from ED in Europe alone in 2025. Shame and undetected symptoms are among the key reasons why many Europeans neglect to seek medical help when experiencing complaints.

For 2008, Urology Week was set up with special focus; to ask attention for 3 key subjects: prostate conditions (especially BPH and prostate cancer), incontinence and erectile dysfunction. The EAU, the European knowledge centre of urology in Arnhem, The Netherlands, wishes to create more awareness of urological conditions and the work of the urologist amongst the general public.

The aim of the new website is to educate and inform the lay public on urological conditions and thereby promote timely consultation of a physician.

The EAU cooperates with Europa UOMO, a European advocacy movement for the fight against prostate cancer.

Several national urological societies in Europe have committed themselves to participate in Urology Week with a special programme. The EAU aims to involve urological nurses associations and patient organisations as well. Hospitals and medical institutions are invited to participate so that the (potential) patient is reached.

Promotional material, such as posters and brochures, is available on the English-language website. All can be used freely.

www.urologyweek.org