Published on May 29, 2014
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 29, 2014
MEDIA CONTACT:
Rebecca Evans
703-837-3687
rebecca.evans@preventcancer.org
CVS Caremark recognized for bold steps to prevent cancer and other chronic diseases
At its annual Lung Cancer Workshop in New York City, Prevent Cancer Foundation honored CVS Caremark with the 2014 James L. Mulshine, MD National Leadership Award. The company was recognized for its bold decision to discontinue the sale of tobacco products in their stores. The award was accepted by Dr. Nancy Gagliano, Chief Medical Officer of MinuteClinic of CVS Caremark.
CVS Caremark announced in February that it will discontinue the sale of all tobacco products by October 1, 2014. “We all know cigarette smoking is the most common risk factor for lung cancer, with risk significantly increasing the longer an individual smokes. Educating the public on the dangers of tobacco continues to be a crucial first step in winning the war on cancer. CVS Caremark’s courageous decision to remove tobacco products from its stores will help to reduce the incidence of lung cancer and the devastation it creates,” said Prevent Cancer President and Founder Carolyn “Bo” Aldigé in a letter to CVS Caremark’s President.
The Prevent Cancer Foundation has hosted the annual Lung Cancer Workshop since 2004, focusing on the application of high resolution computed tomography (CT) imaging data to lung cancer drug development, as well as the development of policies related to responsible, high-quality screening of high-risk individuals. This unique forum brings together key leaders in lung cancer early detection and contributes to the development of new therapies for management of early-stage disease. The Lung Cancer Workshop is co-sponsored by the Optical Society of America and the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer.
The inaugural James L. Mulshine, MD National Leadership Award was awarded to Cheryl G. Healton, PhD last year. The award recognized Healton’s over 25 years of tireless work in public health, specifically on tobacco control.
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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 $134 million in support of cancer prevention and early detection research, education, advocacy and outreach programs across the country.
For more information, please visit www.preventcancer.org.
