PENTAX Medical, a leading provider of endo-imaging solutions, will soon celebrate the 100th anniversary of the foundation of Asahi Optical Joint Stock Co., the original manufacturer of PENTAX-branded products. To commemorate this achievement, PENTAX Medical will donate up to US$25,000 in addition to the US$100,000 already pledged to the World Cancer Research Fund. This gesture echoes the company's ongoing commitment to help improve the awareness, detection, diagnosis and treatment of cancer, which is a value at the core of PENTAX Medical's history.

Recently the company has also launched its "MILES FOR HEALTH^(TM) - 100 Years of PENTAX campaign" to help raise awareness of the importance of cancer research. Anyone, including staff, partners and customers, across the globe will be able to register to take part. Whether it's one mile or a marathon, everyone will be able to do their bit to help raise money for the World Cancer Research Fund. These miles can be achieved by any method of self-propulsion such as running or walking, and any distance will count - small or large.

Gerald W. Bottero, Global President, PENTAX Medical, said, "It is an honor to preside over this landmark moment in our Company's great history. I am delighted that we are able to celebrate this remarkable achievement with a charitable gesture, one that we hope reflects our ongoing commitment to the improved awareness, detection, diagnosis and treatment of cancer."  

Dr Giota Mitrou, Director of Research at World Cancer Research Fund, said: "We are extremely grateful to PENTAX Medical for their incredibly generous donation. This sum of money will help fund vital research into cancer prevention and survival as well as enable us to continue empowering people to lower their risk of cancer. We want to live in a world where no one develops a preventable cancer and this money will go towards our efforts."

With a rich history of innovation, initially manufacturing spectacle lenses and later camera lenses, PENTAX first entered the endoscopy market in 1977 with the FB-17A - it's first Broncho Fiberscope. Since then, endoscopy has become a vital tool in the detection, diagnosis and treatment of many cancers. Now a division of HOYA Group, PENTAX Medical continues to innovate, developing leading-edge optical technologies, including cutting-edge solutions that support each step of the clinical pathway. From screening to diagnosis and into therapy, PENTAX Medical offers clinicians various advanced solutions to enhance productivity and improve patient outcome.

Working towards the next 100 years and beyond, PENTAX Medical's mission is to continue aiding the global medical community, providing quality, innovative and easy-to-use endoscopic products and services. Together with its customers and partners around the world, PENTAX Medical is committed to help improve the detection, diagnosis and treatment of cancer.