CEO Roundtable on Cancer announces Gold Standard accreditation for Susan G. Komen for the Cure

William C. Weldon, chairman and chief executive officer of Johnson & Johnson, chairs the CEO Roundtable on Cancer, a nonprofit organization of cancer-fighting CEOs who created the CEO Cancer Gold Standard^™, in collaboration with the National Cancer Institute, many of its designated cancer centers, and leading health non-profit organizations and professionals. Today, nearly one million and a quarter employees and family members are benefiting from the vision and leadership of employers who have chosen to become Gold Standard accredited.

Weldon credited Komen founder and CEO Ambassador Nancy G. Brinker. "Nancy Brinker's dedication to the fight against cancer is a true inspiration," said Weldon. "Likewise, I believe the commitment of Susan G. Komen for the Cure to its employees and family members in achieving Gold Standard accreditation will further inspire business leaders to recognize the valuable role they can play in the workplace to help us win the battle against cancer."

The CEO Cancer Gold Standard^™ calls for companies to evaluate their health benefits and their corporate culture. To earn Gold Standard accreditation, a company must offer programs and foster a culture that will lower cancer risk. Specifically, they prohibit tobacco use at the workplace and provide support to help employees quit, along with offering programs that encourage physical activity and a healthy diet. Gold Standard employers also cover cancer screenings to increase the likelihood of detecting cancer at its earliest stages when outcomes are more likely to be favorable, and finally, they provide access to quality care, including participation in clinical trials.

Employers are uniquely positioned to lead the fight against cancer and make a real difference in the health and wellbeing of their employees and their family members. The cost of cancer in the workplace is extraordinarily high considering the direct medical costs, lost productivity, disability claims and the tremendous personal toll the disease takes on individuals, families and coworkers. CEO Cancer Gold Standard accreditation is awarded to organizations that demonstrate an exceptional, comprehensive commitment to fighting cancer by focusing on risk reduction, early detection and quality care. While the focus of the Gold Standard is cancer, the benefits of encouraging healthy lifestyle choices extend to other serious and expensive chronic conditions and diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. The Gold Standard sends an important message to employees: "We are investing in your health because we care about you".