Encouraging People to Undergo Colorectal Cancer Checks
Principal ActivitiesCollaborative Efforts with Other Companies and Government Agencies
The campaign, launched by Olympus Medical Systems Corporation, received the endorsement of the Japan Cancer Society. In 2008, the second year of the campaign, activities were implemented with the support of many prefectural governments and other organizations, as well as corporate sponsors including Eiken Chemical Co. Ltd and Bristol-Myers K.K. Information posters were displayed in public facilities throughout Japan with campaign organizers staging a variety of events, including community forums and panel displays, to raise awareness of the importance of colorectal cancer checks.
Public Participation Events
Public participation events staged to stimulate public interest in colorectal cancer and cancer checks included "BRAVE CIRCLE Live 2008," a musical event held in January 2008, and the "BRAVE CIRCLE Walk" in May 2008. During these events, artists and athletes informed participants about the importance of undergoing checks for colorectal cancer.
Towards Expanding the Circle More
Under the Cancer Control Act, which took effect in April 2007, the Japanese government formulated a Basic Plan to Promote Cancer Control Programs in June 2008. The target set down in this plan was to increase medical check rates for cancer to 50% or higher within five years. The "BRAVE CIRCLE" colorectal cancer eradication campaign is contributing to the achievement of this target by promoting public awareness. Olympus Medical Systems is cooperating extensively with companies, government agencies and organizations that support the aims of the campaign in a continuing effort to raise awareness about colorectal cancer and the importance of medical checks.
Promotional Activities in Other Countries
Olympus also participates in cancer education programs in other countries. In the United States, we have been actively involved in colorectal cancer check promotion activities since 1998 as a member of the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable (NCCRT). We have also used advertising and other methods to promote cancer checks in Canada, the Czech Republic and South Korea.
A public forum in Fukui
Employee volunteers explain exhibits at a panel display in Yokohama.
Employee volunteers as course guides during BRAVE CIRCLE Walks.
Expanding the Circle
Future ActivitiesThe name "BRAVE CIRCLE" was chosen because the aim of the campaign is to create an expanding circle of people with the courage to fight against colorectal cancer. The name also reflects the fact that the initiative is supported not only by Olympus Medical Systems Corporation and other Olympus Group companies, but also by other companies, government agencies and organizations that agree with the aim of the campaign.
In the long-term perspective, we will continue to work with numerous companies, central and prefectural government agencies and organizations to expand this initiative into a social campaign with the sole aim of saving as many people as possible from death caused by colorectal cancer.
The logo for the "BRAVE CIRCLE" campaign to eradicate colorectal cancer
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