Newswise — As part of a new 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 (ASTRO), the largest international society for radiation oncology treatment and research, is partnering with the Greater Salt Lake City chapter of the American Cancer Society (ACS), a nationwide 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.
ASTRO has invited ACS to participate in the Survivor Circle exhibit at its 45th Annual Meeting, scheduled for October 19-23, 2003, at the Salt Palace Convention Center. The Survivor Circle was created to recognize those who are battling cancer. It will focus on the programs offered by local organizations to help the patients and the families with their treatments. Within the Survivor Circle, there will be a place for visitors to learn more about the ACS and to leave donations. One hundred percent of all donations collected will be given to local cancer programs.
"We are excited to have the opportunity to work with such a well-established, nationally recognized organization," said Joel Tepper, M.D., President of ASTRO. "The American Cancer Society works every day to help patients and their families cope with cancer. My hope is that by working together, we can ensure that cancer patients are informed about all their treatment options so they can make the best treatment choice 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 10,000 healthcare professionals and exhibitors.
For more information on the American Cancer Society, please attend the ASTRO Annual Meeting October 19 - 23, 2003, at the Salt Palace Convention Center or visit their Web site at http://www.cancer.org. For more information on ASTRO, please visit http://www.astro.org.
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