Dallas, TX " Think About the Link -- a multi-year education campaign developed by the Prevent Cancer Foundation today convened a summit in Dallas for local health providers, public health professionals and patient advocates to share the latest research and best practices regarding the link between human papilloma virus (HPV), hepatitis B and hepatitis C and related cancers. The summit, held in partnership with UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas County Health and Human Services and the University of North Texas Health Science Center, also offered information about patient barriers to diagnosis and clinical management in the community; and helped foster a community of stakeholders in Dallas-Fort Worth.

Too few people know particular vaccines and screenings can help prevent cancer, said Carolyn R. Aldig, Prevent Cancer Foundation president and founder. This lack of understanding has left thousands of North Texans at risk of debilitating " and lethal " preventable cancers. We are committed to cancer prevention and that is why the Prevent Cancer Foundation brought its Think About the Link campaign to Dallas-Fort Worth - to increase awareness of the connection between viruses and cancer.

There is a vaccine to protect against HPV and hepatitis B and screenings and treatments to diagnose and cure hepatitis C, yet, too many North Texans are unaware or cannot access these cancer-preventing strategies.

Recent research from the Prevent Cancer Foundation found more than half (53 percent) of adults are unaware that HPV can lead to at least six different types of cancers, including cervical cancer if untreated, while 67 percent of adults are unaware that hepatitis B increases the risk of liver cancer. Additionally, 73 percent of adults are unaware that hepatitis C treatment can result in a cure, which can reduce the risk of liver cancer.

Meanwhile, certain racial and ethnic groups are at increased risk for viruses that lead to cancer. High-risk groups for hepatitis B include African-Americans, Hispanics and Asians/Pacific Islanders. High-risk groups for hepatitis C include African-Americans, Hispanics and baby boomers (those born between 1945-1965), as well as those who share needles or other equipment for injecting recreational drugs.