MEDIA CONTACT:
Liona Chan
(703) 519-2107
Liona.Chan@preventcancer.org

(Washington D.C.)—The Prevent Cancer Foundation recognized four leaders in the cancer community at the 2012 Laurels Awards Luncheon during the 14th annual Dialogue for Action on Colorectal Cancer Screening conference. Sidney Winawer, MD, Jasit Ahluwalia, MD, MPH, MS, Ann Fonfa and Franklin Berger, PhD all received Cancer Prevention Laurels awards for their outstanding contributions to the cancer prevention field. The awards recognize their work in lifetime achievement, national leadership, advocacy and innovative programs, respectively.

Awarded the Laurel for Lifetime Achievement, Sidney Winawer, MD, is internationally recognized for his contributions to the prevention and diagnosis of colorectal cancer. Throughout his extensive career, Dr. Winawer has led groundbreaking research, served in numerous professional societies, championed many awareness and screening campaigns and still attends to cancer patients at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, where he is an attending physician and a member with tenure.

Jasjit Ahluwalia, MD, MPH, MS, recipient of the Laurel for National Leadership, has devoted the past 19 years to improving the health of high-risk populations, including underserved racial and ethnic minorities. His research has focused on nicotine addiction and smoking cessation in African American smokers. From conducting research in improving minority health to mentoring many early-career investigators, Dr. Ahluwalia’s outstanding work speaks for itself.

Recipient of the Laurel for Advocacy, Ann Fonfa is a breast cancer survivor who created the Annie Appleseed Project, an all-volunteer organization advocating for fresh approaches to cancer prevention, research and treatment. She tirelessly works on exploring and publicizing natural cancer therapies and the effects of treatment on survival and quality of life, as well as treatment efficacy, effectiveness, and adverse effects.

Franklin Berger, PhD, has led the way in promoting bold and innovative initiatives which have greatly increased colorectal cancer awareness, screening and early detection in South Carolina—earning him this year’s Laurel for Innovative Programs. Over the last 35 years he has worked both in the lab as a biomedical scientist and in local communities as an educator—bringing together colorectal cancer advocates, survivors, businesses and medical providers to work collaboratively to reduce colon cancer.

The Prevent Cancer Foundation has been honoring leaders in cancer prevention at the annual Laurels Luncheon for the past 9 years.

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About the Prevent Cancer Foundation:
The mission of the Prevent Cancer Foundation is to save lives through cancer prevention and early detection. Founded in 1985, the Foundation has provided more than $125 million in support of cancer prevention and early detection research, education, advocacy and community outreach nationwide. For more information, please visit www.preventcancer.org

MEDIA CONTACT:
Liona Chan
(703) 519-2107
Liona.Chan@preventcancer.org

(Alexandria, Va.)–In recognition of National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, the Prevent Cancer Foundation is launching the second annual Screening Saves Lives Challenge on March 1. The Challenge is a national competition for organizations to submit their best colorectal cancer (CRC) screening and awareness initiatives for their communities. The theme of this year’s Challenge is families.

Projects may range from public awareness and education to screening and patient navigation with a focus on families. The first prize winner will receive a $5,000 grant and a site visit from the Prevent Cancer Super Colon™, a 20-foot interactive educational exhibit, to enhance local CRC awareness efforts.

“Colorectal cancer is the third most frequently diagnosed in the United States and one of the most preventable,” says Erica Childs Warner, Director of Community Outreach. “The Prevent Cancer Foundation realizes the importance of screening and awareness programs on the local level and uses the National Challenge as a way to champion grass-roots community projects.”

Community members are encouraged to support local CRC projects through online voting beginning April 12. The projects that receive the most votes will move on in the competition to be judged by a selection committee and the final winner will be announced on May 14.

The Screening Saves Lives website is the home base for the competition and contains community discussion boards, learning tools and sharing opportunities that will raise awareness and promote an open dialogue about CRC. To learn more, visit www.screeningsaves.org or call Sarah Abou at (703) 837-3682.

Since 2000, March has been National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month (NCRCAM). The Prevent Cancer Foundation is proud of its work each year during National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and its history of raising awareness, increasing screening rates and promoting healthy living to ultimately reducing the death toll from this very preventable cancer.

About The Prevent Cancer Foundation:
Founded in 1985, the Prevent Cancer Foundation is one of the nation’s leading health organizations that has catapulted cancer prevention to prominence. The Foundation seeks to Stop Cancer Before It Starts!  Since its inception, the Foundation has provided more than $125 million in support of cancer prevention and early detection research, education, advocacy and community outreach nationwide.
For more information, please visit www.preventcancer.org.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Liona Chan
(703) 519-2107
Liona.Chan@preventcancer.org

Act promotes early detection and treatment of lung cancer in vulnerable populations

(Alexandria, Va.) The Prevent Cancer Foundation has endorsed the Lung Cancer Mortality Reduction Act of 2011 (S.752/H.R. 1394) which has the potential to reduce the incidence and mortality of lung cancer nationwide. The Act, sponsored by Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and Rep. Donna Christensen (D-VI), calls for coordination of the Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs to develop a comprehensive research plan addressing all aspects of lung cancer prevention, early detection and treatment as well as create programs to combat lung cancer. Lung Cancer is the leading cancer killer of both men and women in the U.S.

“The Lung Cancer Mortality Reduction Act is a positive and proactive approach to improving our commitment to lung cancer prevention. If enacted, the bill would coordinate federal health agencies, provide new resources, support early detection and treatment and create the much-needed Lung Cancer Early Detection Program to help address lung cancer in vulnerable populations,” said Carolyn Aldigé. “Providing access to prevention and early detection to veterans, minorities and underserved communities who are at-risk for lung cancer is crucial. Early detection is key to increasing the rate of survival.”

The establishment of the Lung Cancer Early Detection program could provide the needed infrastructure, resources and routine preventive measures that would lead to early diagnosis of lung cancer. The five-year survival rate for lung cancer is only 15%, a number which has seen little improvement in decades.  One reason often cited for the grim statistic is a high rate of late-stage diagnosis. Even though lung cancer is by far the deadliest cancer, it receives proportionally less funding than the next four leading cancer killers.

Through the establishment of the Lung Cancer Mortality Reduction Act, many Americans’ lives can be saved, costs can be cut and overall cancer mortality can and will be reduced. We are pleased to join the bill’s sponsors and other members of the public health community to support this legislation.

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About the Prevent Cancer Foundation:
The mission of the Prevent Cancer Foundation is to save lives through cancer prevention and early detection. Founded in 1985, the Foundation has provided more than $125 million in support of cancer prevention and early detection research, education, advocacy and community outreach nationwide. For more information, please visit www.preventcancer.org

MEDIA CONTACT:
Liona Chan
(703) 519-2107
Liona.Chan@preventcancer.org

Aldigé to address Japan’s oncology community on the power of advocacy in the fight against lung cancer

(Alexandria, Va.)—Carolyn Aldigé, President and Founder of the Prevent Cancer Foundation, has been invited by one of Japan’s most prominent cancer organizations, the Japanese Lung Cancer Society, to speak at its 52nd Annual Meeting in Osaka, Japan in early November. Aldigé will be addressing more than 7,000 attendees on “The Power of Advocacy” and to the vitally important role advocacy plays in lung cancer research, prevention and early detection.

“Patient advocacy organizations in the United States are among the most effective in the world, and lung cancer is quickly becoming a focal point of advocacy efforts. To date, lung cancer research has been underfunded but as more and more organizations focus on increased funding for research and screening , this will change,” said Aldigé. “By raising the visibility of lung cancer advocacy worldwide, we can go a long way toward removing the stigma that if often associated with lung cancer and ensuring that patients receive the best care possible.”

The Prevent Cancer Foundation was the first U.S.-based organization to focus solely on cancer prevention and early detection, and remains the only advocacy organization in the country with this singular mission. Aldigé has become a nationally recognized leader in the fight against cancer through prevention and early detection. In 1996, she was named Washingtonian of the Year and is the only individual to receive Public Service Awards from the American Association for Cancer Research, the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the American Society of Preventive Oncology.

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About the Prevent Cancer Foundation:
The mission of the Prevent Cancer Foundation is to save lives through cancer prevention and early detection. Founded in 1985, the Foundation has provided more than $125 million in support of cancer prevention and early detection research, education, advocacy and community outreach nationwide. For more information, please visit www.preventcancer.org.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Liona Chan
(703) 519-2107
Liona.Chan@preventcancer.org

What:
The Prevent Cancer Foundation will hold its 18th Annual Spring Gala: Modern+Majestic=Switzerland, at the National Building Museum on March 9, 2012. Honored Patrons: H.E. Manuel Sager, Ambassador of Switzerland, and his wife, Mrs. Christine Sager. The Honorable Michael G. Oxley will be the 2012 recipient of the Foundation’s Cancer Champion Award. Serving as gala chair is TE Connectivity Vice President, Global Government Affairs, Joann Piccolo.

Who:
This renowned event attracts over 900 of Washington’s elite and has was honored by being named in the top 31 charitable benefits by BizBash Magazine-coming in at # 7 in their “Best of 2010” issue. Foundation board member and acclaimed celebrity-party planner David Tutera of WEtv’s “My Fair Wedding” will design the event.

Why:
Over the years, the Prevent Cancer Foundation’s Annual Spring Gala has raised over $18.5 million in support of cancer research and direct service programs to medically-underserved communities. This year, the Foundation has set a fundraising goal of $1.3 million, committing 84 cents of every dollar raised to the Foundation’s programs in research, education and outreach in an effort to Stop Cancer Before It Starts!

How:
Tickets are $500 per guest or $1,000 per guest for priority guest seating. Table sponsorships are also available by calling 703-519-2103 or emailing linda.chastain@preventcancer.org. Please help the Foundation continue its mission by saving lives through cancer prevention and early detection.

For more event or sponsorship information, please contact Linda Chastain at 703-519-2103 or via email at linda.chastain@preventcancer.org.

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About the Prevent Cancer Foundation:
The mission of the Prevent Cancer Foundation is to save lives through cancer prevention and early detection. Founded in 1985, the Foundation has provided more than $125 million in support of cancer prevention and early detection research, education, advocacy and community outreach nationwide. For more information, please visit www.preventcancer.org.

Dannenberg’s work has provided the basis for the transformative discovery linking obesity, inflammation and breast cancer. He is recognized for his work on the inflammation-cancer connection with an emphasis on prostaglandin biology. Dannenberg’s research has been of major importance in explaining why levels of procarcinogenic prostaglandins are increased in inflamed tissues and tumors. He has also made major contributions to our understanding of why nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs show chemopreventive activity.

The AACR-Prevent Cancer Foundation Award for Excellence in Cancer Prevention Research is given annually for seminal laboratory, translational, clinical, epidemiological or behavioral science contributions to the field of cancer prevention.

Dannenberg’s significant contributions include demonstrating that COX-2 was overexpressed in a variety of premalignant lesions and cancers; elucidating the mechanisms by which oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes, carcinogens and tumor promoters regulate COX-2 gene expression; utilizing both pharmacological and genetic strategies to establish the importance of targeting prostaglandin synthesis as a bona fide prevention strategy; defining the signal transduction pathways by which dietary and synthetic chemopreventive agents suppress COX-2 transcription and prostaglandin synthesis; and determining the signaling mechanism by which COX-derived prostaglandin E2 induced aromatase, the rate-limiting enzyme responsible for estrogen synthesis. This latter work led to an observational study in which the use of aspirin was associated with a reduced risk for hormone receptor-positive breast cancer.
In his most recent work that provides new insights into the link between obesity, inflammation and breast cancer, Dannenberg conducted a preclinical study in which he used experimental models to demonstrate the presence of the obesity–inflammation–aromatase axis in the mammary gland. As a result, COX-2-derived PGE2 appeared to play an important role in inducing aromatase in the mammary glands of obese mice. Subsequently, he successfully translated these preclinical findings.

Dannenberg will present his lecture, “Obesity and Breast Inflammation: Implications for Cancer Prevention,” on Sunday, Oct. 23, 2011, at 5:15 p.m.

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Follow the AACR on Twitter: @aacr #aacr
Follow the AACR on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/aacr.org

The mission of the American Association for Cancer Research is to prevent and cure cancer. Founded in 1907, the AACR is the world’s oldest and largest professional organization dedicated to advancing cancer research. The membership includes 33,000 laboratory, translational and clinical researchers; health care professionals; and cancer survivors and advocates in the United States and more than 90 other countries. The AACR marshals the full spectrum of expertise from the cancer community to accelerate progress in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer through high-quality scientific and educational programs. It funds innovative, meritorious research grants, research fellowships and career development awards to young investigators, and it also funds cutting-edge research projects conducted by senior researchers. The AACR has numerous fruitful collaborations with organizations and foundations in the U.S. and abroad, and functions as the Scientific Partner of Stand Up To Cancer, a charitable initiative that supports groundbreaking research aimed at getting new cancer treatments to patients in an accelerated time frame. The AACR Annual Meeting attracts more than 17,000 participants who share the latest discoveries and developments in the field. Special Conferences throughout the year present novel data across a wide variety of topics in cancer research, treatment and patient care, and Educational Workshops are held for the training of young cancer investigators. The AACR publishes seven major peer-reviewed journals: Cancer Discovery; Cancer Research; Clinical Cancer Research; Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention; Molecular Cancer Therapeutics; Molecular Cancer Research; and Cancer Prevention Research. In 2010, AACR journals received 20 percent of the total number of citations given to oncology journals. The AACR also publishes Cancer Today, a magazine for cancer patients, survivors and their caregivers, which provides practical knowledge and new hope for cancer survivors. A major goal of the AACR is to educate the general public and policymakers about the value of cancer research in improving public health, the vital importance of increases in sustained funding for cancer research and biomedical science, and the need for national policies that foster innovation and the acceleration of progress against the 200 diseases we call cancer.

About the Prevent Cancer Foundation:
The Prevent Cancer Foundation was started in 1985. Today, it is one of the nation’s leading health organizations, catapulting cancer prevention to prominence. Through healthy-lifestyle choices and screening, many cancers can be prevented. The Foundation funds research and community grants in cancer prevention and early detection and creates educational materials and programs targeted at breast, cervical, colorectal, lung, oral, prostate, skin and testicular cancers. Since its inception the Prevent Cancer Foundation has provided more than $125 million in support of cancer prevention and early detection research, education and community outreach programs across the country. The Foundation has funded over 430 peer-reviewed research projects in 39 states and three in Canada, in leading research institutions. This research has been pivotal in developing a body of knowledge that is the basis for important cancer prevention and early detection strategies. For more information, please visit www.preventcancer.org.

(Alexandria, Va.)– The Prevent Cancer Foundation has been recognized by Philanthropedia, an online resource for charitable giving affiliated with Guide Star, as one of the top 16 national non-profit cancer organizations making the most significant and positive impact on cancer. The Prevent Cancer Foundation, the only national organization focused solely on cancer prevention and early detection, earned high ratings in the areas of educational programs, leadership, advocacy and cancer prevention. Experts in the field rated the Prevent Cancer Foundation in the elite 16.

“Having the Foundation, its programs and strong advocacy efforts recognized by our peers means a great deal,” said Carolyn Aldigé, President and Founder of the Prevent Cancer Foundation.  “To be chosen by this group of experts is not only an extraordinary compliment, but it signifies that although we are comparatively small in size, we are making incredible strides to Stop Cancer Before It Starts!”

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About The Prevent Cancer Foundation:
The mission of the Prevent Cancer Foundation is to save lives through cancer prevention and early detection. Founded in 1985, the Foundation has provided more than $125 million in support of cancer prevention and early detection research, education, advocacy and community outreach nationwide. For more information, please visit www.preventcancer.org.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Liona Chan
(703) 519-2107
Liona.Chan@preventcancer.org

A father and daughter team, lymphoma survivor and mother all honored for their relentless dedication

(Alexandria, Va.)—The Congressional Families Cancer Prevention Program is honoring Rep. Lois Capps (D-CA), ESPN broadcaster Erin Andrews and her father Steve Andrews and Congressional spouse Freda Manzullo at the 19th annual Action for Cancer Awareness Awards Luncheon. Each fall, the program recognizes the activities of Congressional spouses, members of Congress, the media and community advocates who have distinguished themselves by their work to educate the public on cancer prevention, early detection and reducing the risks for this disease.

“This unique Capitol Hill event brings together a bipartisan, bicameral group of spouses and members of Congress – along with leaders in the cancer community – for an hour of unity to renew our commitment to fight cancer and recognize the work of those who inspire us through their efforts,” said Lisa McGovern, executive director of the Congressional Families Cancer Prevention Program. “All four of this year’s honorees have dedicated their talent and energy to educate the public about cancer prevention and promoting early detection.”

Paula Zahn of On the Case with Paula Zahn on the Investigation Discovery (ID) channel will serve as the mistress of ceremonies. The Congressional Families Cancer Prevention Program of the Prevent Cancer Foundation will celebrate the 20-year milestone year as well as the 2011 Award Recipients:

Freda Manzullo is receiving the Congressional Families Leadership Award. A lymphoma survivor herself, Freda has made it her mission to raise awareness, especially in her home district of Illinois. She is active in the cancer community, participating in events to raise awareness and fundraisers. The wife of Rep. Don Manzullo (R-Ill.), Freda serves as president of the Republican spouses and is beloved by her colleagues on both sides of the aisle for her grace and generosity of spirit. She is a respected wife, mother and strong supporter and advocate to so many cancer patients.

Erin and Steve Andrews will be receiving the Distinguished Service in Journalism Award, honoring renowned journalists who have made a significant and responsible contribution through their work to educate about the need for cancer prevention and advances in cancer research. Erin Andrews reports for ESPN, and her father is a seven time Emmy award winning journalist from Tampa, Fla. When Steve Andrews was diagnosed with prostate cancer, the two used their talents and visibility to help educate the public through their involvement with “On the Line.” The awareness initiative uses the power of sports entertainment to encourage discussion between men and their family, friends and physicians about prostate cancer risk factors, testing and treatment options.Erin Andrews is one of the first women to speak publicly about the disease, and their campaign is geared towards both men and women. The Andrews hope people will begin to talk as freely about prostate cancer as they now do about breast cancer.

Rep. Lois Capps (D-Calif.) is being honored with the Excellence in Cancer Awareness Award for her commitment to cancer prevention and early detection through public service and policy. A former Congressional spouse, she became a member of Congress when her husband, Walter, died in 1996. A former nurse, she serves as co-chair of the Cancer Caucus. In 2000, she lost her daughter Lisa Margarit Capps, after a valiant, year-long fight against lung cancer. Since then, Lois has been a passionate voice on lung cancer prevention in particular, sponsoring and co-sponsoring many bills on health care and cancer, and serving on various health and cancer-related committees and caucuses. She has become a nationally recognized leader on a variety of topics, including Medicare reform, the nursing shortage, cancer, stroke and heart disease and domestic violence.

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About the Congressional Families Cancer Prevention Program
The Congressional Families Cancer Prevention Program is dedicated to reducing cancer mortality though a bipartisan outreach effort by family members of the U.S. Senate, House, Cabinet and Supreme Court. Formed in 1991 as a partnership between the Congressional Club and the Prevent Cancer Foundation, the program enables Congressional spouses to educate themselves and their constituents about cancer prevention and early detection. The focus is awareness not advocacy.

About The Prevent Cancer Foundation
The mission of the Prevent Cancer Foundation is to save lives through cancer prevention and early detection. Founded in 1985, the Foundation has provided more than $125 million in support of cancer prevention and early detection research, education, advocacy and community outreach nationwide. For more information, please visit www.preventcancer.org.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Eileen T. Sexton
703-837-3691
Eileen.Sexton@preventcancer.org

Grant will focus colorectal cancer prevention research

(Alexandria, Va.)– The Prevent Cancer Foundation has awarded its latest research grant to early-career scientist Yuriko Mori, M.D. Ph.D., of Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Dr. Mori’s prevention research project, “Preclinical development of colorectal cancer risk stratification marker,” was selected through a rigorous scientific review process from a wide pool of applicants representing many prominent institutions from around the nation. The Prevent Cancer Foundation has been funding cancer prevention research since 1985, and its peer-reviewed grants and fellowships have been awarded to nearly 400 early-career scientists from leading academic medical centers nationwide.

“An estimated 140,000 Americans are diagnosed with colorectal cancer annually. This means to test individuals for future colorectal cancer without invasive screening could potentially  advance colorectal cancer prevention and save thousands of lives each year,” says Carolyn Aldigé, president and founder of the Prevent Cancer Foundation. “The Prevent Cancer Foundation is pleased to support scientific advancement from inspiring early-career scientists who will focus on cancer prevention and early detection for years to come.”

Colorectal cancer is the third-leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. Currently, there are no noninvasive means of prioritizing individuals at the highest risk for current and future development of colorectal cancers. The goal of the research is to develop diagnostic markers to assess a patient’s risk level for either having or developing colorectal cancers, without needing to perform invasive screening. The study will investigate markers based on an abnormal chemical modification of DNA known as “DNA methylation”, which accelerates colon carcinogenesis by disabling many important genes. Dr. Mori and her team will first perform a genome-wide search for abnormal DNA methylation occurring in normal-appearing colon segments of colorectal cancer patients. The study may ultimately increase accurate colorectal cancers diagnoses through minimally invasive testing by prioritizing high-risk patients who may need tailored colonoscopic screening, prevention and treatment.

Research proposals are reviewed by members of the distinguished Scientific Review Panel, drawn from institutions such as the National Cancer Institute, Georgetown University Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Rush University Medical Center and the Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center.

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About The Prevent Cancer Foundation:
The mission of the Prevent Cancer Foundation is to save lives through cancer prevention and early detection. Founded in 1985, the Foundation has provided more than $125 million in support of cancer prevention and early detection research, education, advocacy and community outreach nationwide. For more information, please visit www.preventcancer.org.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Liona Chan
(703) 519-2107
Liona.Chan@preventcancer.org

Pet owners and their furry friends invited to participate side-by-side

(Alexandria, Va.) — The Prevent Cancer Foundation is welcoming all Washington D.C. metro area pet owners and their pets to the third annual Prevent Cancer Foundation 5K, which will take place in scenic West Potomac Park, Washington D.C. on September 24 from 8-11 a.m. Pet owners can start their own team or register as part of the “Pets for Prevention” team at www.PreventCancer5K.org to participate together and help raise awareness and funds for cancer prevention and early detection research.

Studies have shown that there are a number of health benefits correlated with owning a pet. Pets can help their owners stay active and get regular exercise, as well as help lower blood pressure and reduce stress. The Prevent Cancer Foundation 5K allows both pets and their owners the chance to promote a healthy lifestyle by running, walking or jogging alongside one another.

There will be food, entertainment and activities for everyone involved, but owners are encouraged to sign up sooner rather than later, as the first 100 to register will receive a free doggie bag full of goodies. Upon registering, participants can create personalized donation web pages where family and friends can support a pet in the Prevent Cancer Foundation 5K by giving a gift to help stop cancer before it starts.

“Most pet owners are already aware of the many health benefits pets provide and understand the importance of keeping their pets healthy,” said Linda Chastain, Senior Director of Special Events at the Prevent Cancer Foundation. “The Prevent Cancer Foundation 5K is a pet-friendly event that gives owners an opportunity to help keep themselves and their lovable companions active and fit, all while supporting cancer prevention research.”

Owners are asked to please observe proper pet etiquette when participating in the Prevent Cancer Foundation 5K, which includes leashing and cleaning up after pets.

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About The Prevent Cancer Foundation:
Founded in 1985, Prevent Cancer Foundation is one of the nation’s leading health organizations that has catapulted cancer prevention to prominence. Since its inception, the Foundation has provided more than $120 million in support of cancer prevention and early detection research, education and community outreach programs across the country.

For more information, please visit www.preventcancer.org.