FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                   

April 4, 2002

LifeScore San Diego First in Western U.S. to Offer New Cancer Blood Test CancerSafeScore„ offers early detection, prevention, assessment and monitoring of cancer

La Jolla, Calif. – LifeScore (www.lifescore.com), a preventive medicine and imaging center, announced today the addition of the CancerSafeScore to its list of preventive healthcare services. CancerSafeScore is a special blood test that can detect cancer at its earliest stages and allow patients to be more involved in their own healthcare decisions.

In early stages, cancer may not show any visible symptoms. However, tumor markers – substances in the blood or other tissue – can be detected and measured to possibly indicate the presence or recurrence of cancer. Results of the test take only a few days, and a doctor’s referral is not required. A positive test does not necessarily mean that a person has cancer; however, an above normal reading suggests a visit to a doctor is appropriate.

“Tumor markers are like ‘road work ahead' signs on the highway,” says Dr. Michael Wright, CEO and chief medical officer of LifeScore. “They’re indicators of cancer risks that may exist or lie ahead, so let’s slow down and check things out a little more carefully; it just might help avoid some major problems down the road.”

The recommended age for the test is 50 or older unless specific risk factors may place an individual at risk at an earlier age. Wright says the test is especially useful for individuals known to be at high risk for the deadliest forms of cancer and for individuals who have been treated for cancer and should be monitored for any recurrence. Developed by Cancersafe and Chaperon-Tarbouriech Laboratory in Switzerland and France, the test has been available in Europe, and Wright believes it’s time to make the test available in the U.S.

“The CancerSafeScore is a logical complement to our services in preventive medicine and diagnostic imaging. Providing the latest advances in medicine can only benefit the close, personal health relationship we establish with each of our clients,” says Wright. “Most of us want to be involved in our own healthcare decisions, and the opportunity to elect to have a screening test, without a doctor’s referral, is very important to our clients.”

American Cancer Society statistics show that more than a half-million people died of various forms of cancer last year, and Wright says even a slight improvement in the early detection and treatment of this killer could have a significant impact.

The National Cancer Institute estimates that 3% to 35% of cancer deaths per year could be avoided through proper screening, depending on a variety of assumptions. (National Cancer Institute: Cancer control, objectives for the nation 1985-2000). The CancerSafeScore screens for the following cancers: breast; ovarian; uterine; prostate; testicular; colorectal; pancreatic; liver; stomach; esophagus; thyroid; and lung.

Each cancer has a pattern of markers associated with it. By using a broad spectrum of markers, CancerSafeScore increases the likelihood of an accurate diagnosis. For example, breast cancer can cause elevations of three tumor markers, while lung cancer can cause elevations of five tumor markers. By measuring several markers for a specific cancer, the likelihood of early diagnosis is increased while the likelihood of a false positive reading is decreased.

One in three people in America will develop cancer over the course of their lives. CancerSafeScore will increase the likelihood of finding the cancer as early as possible, when treatment will usually be the most effective.

About LifeScore

Founded in October 1999, LifeScore (www.lifescore.com) has become a leading preventive medicine and imaging company, and has served more than 8,000 clients from around the world. LifeScore offers comprehensive, preventive healthcare management that encompasses full-body diagnostic imaging, lab tests, lifestyle evaluation, lifestyle modification and periodic re-evaluations. LifeScore’s mission is to enhance the quality and length of life through early disease detection and programs for prevention. For further information contact LifeScore at 8899 University Center Lane, Suite 100, San Diego, CA 92122. Telephone: 858.558.7267 or toll-free: 877.LIFESCORE (543-3726). E-mail Drs. Michael or Tabita Wright at: cmwright@lifescore.com or tawright@lifescore.com.

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