ASCO's Cancer.Net Joins the 2008 Tour of Gymnastics Superstars

Alexandria, VA - The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) has joined forces with current and former Olympic Champions to raise awareness of cancer and inspire people to learn more about early detection, prevention, and advances in cancer care and treatment. The initiative, in conjunction with The 2008 Tour of Gymnastics Superstars, aims to encourage people to seek credible and reliable information on ASCO's premiere patient website, Cancer.Net.

"This year in the United States, an estimated 1.4 million people will be diagnosed with cancer and more than half a million will die from the disease," said ASCO President Richard Schilsky, MD. "It is important to raise awareness about these diseases so individuals can become educated, motivated and empowered to take action. We are truly honored that Cancer.Net is the philanthropic cause adopted by the athletes and by the Tour."

"We all know someone who has been touched by cancer - in my case it is my grandmother," said 2008 Olympic Gold Medalist Shawn Johnson. "My family understands how important trusted information on cancer is and that's why I feel privileged to work with an organization that provides such important resources for people living with cancer like Cancer.Net."

The 37-city tour runs from September 7 - November 16 and pairs choreographed gymnastics routines with music performed by Disney recording artists. As a primary partner and cancer information resource, the tour will highlight ASCO, The ASCO Cancer Foundation, and Cancer.Net in a pilot awareness campaign. This effort will help disseminate important cancer prevention and early detection messages -- and direction to Cancer.Net as the authoritative cancer resource -- to women, the primary healthcare decision makers in the family.

Additionally, several current and former Olympic Gold medal winning athletes have teamed up to promote Cancer.Net in a 30-second video spot (YouTube) that will air at each venue. The athletes include: 2008 Olympic gymnastic champion Shawn Johnson; 1992 and 1996 Olympic gymnastic champion Shannon Miller; 1998 Olympic figure skating champion Tara Lipinski; 2008 Olympic gymnastic champion Nastia Liukin; 1996 Olympic gymnastic champion Dominique Moceanu; and 1996 Olympic gymnastic champion Amanda Borden.

About Cancer.Net
Cancer.Net brings the expertise and resources of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), the voice of the world's cancer physicians, to people living with cancer and those who care for and care about them. ASCO is composed of over 25,000 oncologists globally who are the leaders in advancing cancer care. All the information and content on Cancer.Net was developed and approved by the cancer doctors who are members of ASCO, making Cancer.Net the most up-to-date and trusted resource for cancer information on the Internet. Cancer.Net is made possible by The ASCO Cancer Foundation, which provides support for cutting-edge cancer research, education, and patient information.

About ASCO
The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) is the world's leading professional organization representing physicians who care for people with cancer. With more than 25,000 members, ASCO is committed to improving cancer care through scientific meetings, educational programs and peer-reviewed journals. For ASCO information and resources, visit www.asco.org/presscenter. Patient-oriented cancer information is available at www.cancer.net.

Multimedia
YouTube: Watch current and former Olympic stars support Cancer.Net
Facebook: Visit Cancer.Net on Facebook
Related Links: www.cancer.net, www.gymnasticssuperstars.com