Zila, Inc. (Nasdaq: ZILA)
noted with dismay that while the American Cancer Society (ACS) celebrated
new data with a headline "Cancer Deaths Down for Second Year", the same
data showed a marked increase in the number of expected new cases and
deaths due to oral cancer.
"The ACS data, published in 'Cancer Facts & Figures 2007', projects
34,360 new cases of Oral Cavity & Pharynx Cancer - a remarkable 11 percent
increase over the 30,990 cases that ACS projected for 2006, and a 20
percent increase among males," notes Frank Bellizzi, president of Zila
Pharmaceuticals, Inc., marketer of the ViziLite(R) Plus with TBlue630
system for the early detection of oral abnormalities that could lead to
cancer. Nearly as many women will be diagnosed with oral cancer as with
cervical cancer this year. ACS projects that total deaths due to oral
cancer will rise nearly two percent to 7,550 in 2007, from 7,430 in 2006.
"As the ACS celebrates a decline in many cancers," Dr. Bellizzi added,
"it is critical to note that oral cancer remains a common cancer type in
men, and a critical threat to women. Early detection is the key to reducing
death and minimizing the quality-of-life impact of this insidious disease.
As the ACS reports, the 5-year survival rate when oral cancer is detected
early is 81.3 percent, but late detection results in a survival rate of
only 26 percent.
"Dentists across America are moving rapidly to adopt the three-minute,
non-invasive, absolutely painless ViziLite Plus technology to improve their
chances of detecting potentially deadly abnormal tissue at a very early,
highly treatable stage. Respected dental groups, like Heartland Dental
Care, Coast Dental, Aspen Dental, Midwest Dental and SmileCare, as well as
thousands of independent dental offices, are now routinely providing
ViziLite Plus exams as part of their annual patient wellness evaluations.
Major insurers are moving quickly to extend coverage to this important
technology."
One American dies every hour of oral cancer, and while tobacco and
alcohol use contribute to incidence, one quarter of all oral cancer cases
occur in people with no risk behaviors. "Take the ACS data to heart," Dr.
Bellizzi said. "Ask your dentist for an oral cancer exam at your earliest
opportunity."
About Zila, Inc.
Zila, Inc., headquartered in Phoenix, is a leading cancer diagnostic
company focused on oral cancer:
- Zila Pharmaceuticals is dedicated to establishing ViziLite(R) Plus as
the new standard of care for the early detection of oral abnormalities that
could lead to cancer, with initial focus on the dental market through
Pro-Dentec(R), a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of products
sold exclusively to dental professionals for Soft Tissue Management
("STM(R)") including the Rota-dent(R) Professional Powered Brush, the
Pro-Select3(R) Piezo-Ultrasonic Scaler System and a suite of pharmaceutical
STM(R) products for both in-office and home-care use.
- Zila Biotechnology is focused on achieving regulatory approval for
the next generation oral cancer diagnostic, OraTest(R), followed by the
development of additional applications of its cancer detection
technologies.
For more information about Zila, visit zila.
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the
meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements are based
largely on Zila's expectations or forecasts of future events, can be
affected by inaccurate assumptions and are subject to various business
risks and known and unknown uncertainties, a number of which are beyond the
Company's control. Therefore, actual results could differ materially from
the forward-looking statements contained herein. A wide variety of factors
could cause or contribute to such differences and could adversely impact
revenues, profitability, cash flows and capital needs. There can be no
assurance that the forward-looking statements contained in this press
release will, in fact, transpire or prove to be accurate. The Company makes
no commitment, and disclaims any duty, to update or revise any
forward-looking statements to reflect future events or changes in
expectations. For a more detailed description of these and other cautionary
factors that may affect Zila's future results, please refer to Zila's Form
10-K for its fiscal year ended July 31, 2006 and subsequent filings we make
with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Zila, Inc.
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