Forum to Educate Community on Ways to Prevent Colon Cancer and other Cancer-Related Deaths

Los Angeles, CA (April 13, 2007) - - In recognition of National Multicultural Cancer Awareness Week and a concentrated effort to educate communities on ways to prevent cancer-related deaths, the California Division of the American Cancer Society, in collaboration with USC/Norris Cancer Hospital, will host “TOGETHER WE CAN: End Health Disparities in the in the African American Community” from 7:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., Tuesday, April 24 at the Radisson Hotel in Culver City. Working with community leaders, the American Cancer Society has launched an aggressive, multi-pronged statewide initiative to heighten awareness about the importance of early cancer testing with a focus on colon cancer.

In 2007 more than 16,400 African American Californians will be diagnosed with colon cancer, and nearly half this number will die from the disease. African Americans have the highest death rate from colon cancer of any racial or ethnic group in the country. Therefore, American Cancer Society guidelines recommend that both men and women who are at average risk be screened beginning at age 50.

“I commend the works of ACS for their effort to educate the community about this disease. I was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2006 and have been undergoing treatments to be cured. I am committed to working with ACS to make the community aware of the cause and the cure,” said Pat Tobin, president, Tobin & Associates.

Tobin has a history of cancer in her family. Her sister is a thirteen-year survivor of rectal cancer, her mother had breast cancer and her brother had multiple mylenoma (cancer of the plasma cell). Even with her immediate family falling victim to the disease, she admits she could have acquired more knowledge to protect herself.

When detected early colon cancer is preventable in more than 90 percent of the cases. Many of the current testing methods allow doctors to detect colon cancer in its earliest, most treatable phase, or prevent it altogether. For most, colon cancer has no preliminary symptoms which is why testing is so important, especially in people over the age of 50. By the time symptoms do occur, the disease has already progressed into a more advanced stage that is difficult to treat.

The forum is free to the public and welcomes the participation of community leaders, health care providers and employers dedicated to enhancing and improving the health and well being of the African American community. Among the community-based organizations scheduled to participate include the Los Angeles County Department of Health, Women of Color, Community Health Councils, Inc., the Los Angeles Urban League and Center for Healthy Aging.

Free parking is available and continental breakfast will be served. For more information or to confirm your organization’s participation, please call Andrea Roundfield at 310-348-0356 option 3 ext. 221 or andrea.roundfield@cancer.org. RSVP is required and recommended no later than Monday, April 16.

The American Cancer Society is dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by saving lives, diminishing suffering and preventing cancer, through research, education, advocacy, and service. Founded in 1913 and with national headquarters in Atlanta, the Society has 14 regional Divisions and local offices in 3,400 communities, involving millions of volunteers across the United States. For more information anytime, call toll free 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.