Team Radioshack’s Lance Armstrong Launches Global Cancer Program

Team Radioshack’s Champion cyclist and Austin-based LIVESTRONG Founder and Chairman Lance Armstrong today commenced a global cancer awareness campaign.

Lance Armstrong, an strong cancer research supporter and cancer survivor, launched the LIVESTRONG Global Cancer Campaign in South Africa, beginning with a visit with patients at Cape Town’s Groote Schuur Hospital. The year-long campaign will partner with local patient and cancer advocacy groups that work to end stigmas and empower patients.

Nonprofits providing funding and assistance to the effort including: The Breast Health Foundation , BreastSens, Campaigning for Cancer, The Cancer Association of South Africa, CHOC – Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa, Cause Marketing Fundraisers, Hospice Palliative Care Association of South Africa, People Living With Cancer, Reach for Recovery South Africa and South African Medical Research Council.

South Africa has incurred particularly devastating impacts from cancer. Between 1993 and 2005, deaths from the disease increased by more than 80 percent for women and 45 percent for men.

“Cancer is currently one of the most preventable and curable of the major life-threatening diseases. But research shows that many of the 12 million people who will be diagnosed with cancer this year will hide their diagnosis, will be isolated by their communities, will be pushed out of family and social circles and will face a lonely and painful fight for their lives,” Armstrong said.

In 2009, LIVESTRONG invested more than $200 million for cancer-related projects in more than 60 countries.

Source: bizjournals.com