FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
October 14, 2009

CONTACT: Jenny Heumann, ASCO
571-483-1354
jenny.heumann@asco.org

Scottie Bibb, U.S. Figure Skating
719-635-5200

- Society’s patient web site, Cancer.Net, to serve as title sponsor of 2009 Skate America -

The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) announced today a partnership with U.S. Figure Skating to join the fight against cancer. ASCO is the world’s leading professional organization representing physicians who treat people with cancer. ASCO’s patient web site, Cancer.Net (www.cancer.net), will be the public face of the partnership, and will serve as the title sponsor of 2009 Skate America, Nov. 12-15 in Lake Placid, NY. With this new relationship, the fight against all cancers will become an official cause of U.S. Figure Skating.

Cancer.Net provides comprehensive, oncologist-approved information to help patients, caregivers and supporters better understand their disease and make informed decisions about treating, coping with and surviving cancer. Cancer.Net brings the expertise and resources of ASCO to people living with cancer and those who care for and about them. This partnership will provide U.S. Figure Skating and ASCO unique opportunities to reach the public with vital information from Cancer.Net.

“Many life skills are learned through figure skating,” said Patricia St. Peter, president of U.S. Figure Skating. “In fact, the first lesson taught in U.S. Figure Skating’s Basic Skills Program is how to get back up when you have fallen down. To move forward after a diagnosis of cancer, people turn to their doctors and Cancer.Net to give them the support and guidance they need.”

U.S. Figure Skating and ASCO will work together with both past champions and current skaters in support of the fight against cancer. Through the collective reach of both organizations, the partnership will provide more exposure and a global platform for skaters to share their personal stories and cancer initiatives.

“The figure skating family has been impacted by cancer in so many ways over the years,” said David Raith, executive director of U.S. Figure Skating. “Through a partnership with ASCO, we have the opportunity to help educate millions of people about the resources that are available to them in the battle against cancer.”

Former U.S. and Olympic champions Scott Hamilton, Peggy Fleming and Dorothy Hamill all have had public battles with cancer since their competitive careers ended. Hamilton, having defeated cancer twice, has been a crusader in the battle against cancer for years.

Current skaters also have a connection to cancer. Two-time U.S. pairs champion Rena Inoue overcame the disease, having been diagnosed with and received treatment for lung cancer in 1998. She went on to win the U.S. pairs title with her partner, John Baldwin, in 2004 and 2006.

“Just as skaters rely on their coaches for advice and guidance, people with cancer can rely on Cancer.Net to get the most trusted, doctor-approved information to guide them through their diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship,” said Allen Lichter, MD, CEO of ASCO. “ASCO is pleased to partner with Skate America to bring this valuable information to people everywhere.”

The ladies free skate at Skate America will be broadcast live on NBC from 2-4 p.m. ET on Nov. 15. Universal Sports, part of NBC Universal, will also carry coverage of Skate America, including rebroadcasts of the programming on NBC. The entire Cancer.Net Skate America will be available live and on demand on icenetwork.com for Season Pass subscribers.

This partnership between U.S. Figure Skating and Cancer.Net was established in collaboration with Edge Health (www.edgehealth.com), whose primary business lies in creating health messaging platforms through entertainment and sports properties.

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About U.S. Figure Skating
U.S. Figure Skating is the national governing body for the sport of figure skating in the United States as recognized by the United States Olympic Committee and the International Skating Union. U.S. Figure Skating is comprised of more than 700 member clubs, collegiate clubs, and school-affiliated clubs and more than 900 registered Basic Skills skating schools representing approximately 170,000 members. U.S. Figure Skating is charged with the development of the sport on all levels within the United States including athletes, officials, sanctioning of events and exhibitions, and establishing the rules and guidelines by which the sport is governed.

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 27,000 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. Patient-oriented cancer information is available at www.cancer.net.

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 more than 27,000 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 funding for cutting-edge cancer research, professional education, and patient and family support.

About The ASCO Cancer Foundation
The ASCO Cancer Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). The ASCO Cancer Foundation harnesses the knowledge of ASCO’s more than 27,000 oncology and health care providers to improve the treatment and survivorship of people living with cancer. Our funding of breakthrough research, education, and quality improvement programs in cancer care gives patients and caregivers powerful resources to address the disease. Through these efforts, we improve the lives of those impacted by cancer.