Tower Cancer Research Foundation Releases Findings of New National Survey, 'Delayed Cancer Diagnosis: Why?' -- Over Half of Respondents Waited Two Months to Five Years or Longer to See a Doctor for a Diagnosis in Spite of Having Symptoms of the Disease Fear, Procrastination and Lack of Medical Insurance among Key Factors Complete Survey Findings Located at www.towercancerfoundation.org

According to the results of a major national survey, “Delayed Cancer Diagnosis: Why?” over half of respondents waited two months to five years to see a doctor for a diagnosis in spite of having symptoms of the disease. In addition, nearly four out of five respondents were diagnosed with having a form of cancer within one week to two months of seeing a doctor.

LOS ANGELES (Business Wire EON) May 14, 2008 -- The primary objective of the study was to identify any causes of delay of correct diagnosis of cancer. The total number of cancer survivor respondents to the survey was 500. The margin of error for this study is +/- 4.5%.

The survey was conducted on behalf of THE RONNIE LIPPIN CANCER OUTREACH PROGRAM AT TOWER CANCER RESEARCH FOUNDATION that was established to provide the public with more information and understanding of cancer and how to deal with significant issues relating to the disease. Ms. Ronnie Lippin passed away in December 2006 from a rare form of breast cancer and THE LIPPIN FAMILY TRUST formed an alliance with the prestigious TOWER CANCER RESEARCH FOUNDATION, a non-profit institution dedicated to finding more effective treatments to prevent, treat, and, one day, cure cancer. THE DOHRING COMPANY, one of America's foremost independent market research companies, helped develop, implement and analyze the survey and its findings.

Dr. Solomon Hamburg, president and chief executive officer of THE TOWER CANCER RESEARCH FOUNDATION stated, "This survey is part of the commitment our Foundation has made in providing the public with information so they can become more knowledgeable about how to deal with cancer related issues. It is also information that will be utilized when we formally launch our cancer helpline later this year."

He added, "Hope, fear, procrastination and lack of medical insurance were all powerful forces preventing people from going to see a doctor. Those surveyed were cancer survivors but many people who delay going to a doctor for long periods of time for a diagnosis, are not as fortunate. Early detection raises the bar considerably on our ability to help those in need."

Among the findings were:

    1. 52.1% of respondents with symptoms waited two months or longer before seeing a doctor. 2. 14.8% of respondents with symptoms waited one to five years or longer 3. 38.1% when asked why they waited said they hoped the symptoms would go away 4. 32.1% when asked why they waited said they procrastinated 5. 13.4% when asked why they waited said they were afraid of what the doctor might find 6. 12.7% when asked why they waited said they did not have medical insurance 7. 79%, or four out of five, were diagnosed with cancer less than 2 months from seeing their first doctor 8. 33.6% were diagnosed with cancer within one week from seeing their first doctor The survey also revealed that 43.4% of respondents said that once they suspected they had cancer, had they been aware of a Cancer Helpline where they could get guidance and advice, they would have called it.

The full survey and its findings are available on THE TOWER CANCER RESEARCH FOUNDATION'S website: www.towercancerfoundation.org or by request by writing or calling:

Pam Blattner Administrator TOWER CANCER RESEARCH FOUNDATION 9229 Wilshire Boulevard Beverly Hills, CA 90210 310-285-7242 blattnerp@toweroncology.com