ASTRO and ACS join to promote cancer survivorship

As part of an initiative to give back to the cancer communities in the cities visited during its annual scientific meetings, the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology is partnering with the Atlanta chapter of the American Cancer Society to raise awareness of cancer survivorship.

The two organizations will join to participate in the Survivor Circle exhibit at the ASTRO's 46th Annual Meeting, scheduled for October 3-7, 2004, at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta. The Survivor Circle was created to recognize and honor those who are suffering with a diagnosis of cancer. This year, it will focus on the programs offered by Atlanta-area cancer organizations to help patients and their families cope with this disease. Within the Survivor Circle, there is a place for visitors to learn more about the American Cancer Society and to make donations. One hundred percent of all donations collected will be given to support cancer programs in the Atlanta area.

"We are excited to work with such a well-established, nationally recognized organization," said Theodore Lawrence, M.D., Ph.D., President of ASTRO. "ASTRO and ACS are working together to ensure that cancer patients are informed about all of their treatment options so they can make the best decisions for themselves and their families."

ASTRO is the largest radiation oncology society in the world, with nearly 7,500 members from around the world who specialize in treating patients with radiation therapy. As a leading organization in radiation oncology, biology and physics, the Society is dedicated to the advancement of the practice of radiation oncology by promoting excellence in patient care, providing opportunities for educational and professional development, promoting research and disseminating research results and representing radiation oncology in a rapidly evolving socioeconomic healthcare environment. The ASTRO Annual Meeting typically draws nearly 10,000 healthcare professionals and exhibitors.

The American Cancer Society is a national community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem, by preventing cancer, saving lives and diminishing suffering from cancer through research, education, advocacy and service. The ACS is one of the oldest and largest voluntary health agencies in the United States, with more than two million Americans united to conquer cancer through balanced programs of research, education, patient service, advocacy and rehabilitation.

For more information on the American Cancer Society, please attend the ASTRO Annual Meeting October 3-7, 2004, at the Georgia World Congress Center or visit their Web site at www.cancer.org.

www.astro.org.