AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY CEO RECEIVES GLOBAL AWARD FOR LEADERSHIP IN TOBACCO CONTROL AND PUBLIC HEALTH

Contact: Christine Schicker, The Maximus Group, 404-610-8871; Andrew Becker, American Cancer Society, 212-237-3899

ATLANTA, May 1 /Christian Newswire/ -- As Pope Benedict XVI concluded his six-day visit to the United States, this overwhelming theme came through – "Americans, like everyone, have a responsibility to protect one another." Just a few days later, John R. Seffrin, Ph.D., chief executive officer of the American Cancer Society, was presented the Golden Honorary Award of the Health Promotion Foundation in Warsaw, Poland – an award that reinforces the message that the responsibility to protect one another knows no boundaries. Cardinal Jozef Glemp, Primate of Poland, presented this prestigious award in a ceremony at his official residence. Since 1996 the annual Golden Honorary Award has been presented to individuals who have made a significant impact on public health and quality of life in Poland.

Dr. Seffrin is a longtime leader in tobacco control and was in Warsaw to deliver the keynote address to the Summit of Tobacco Control Leaders from Central and Eastern Europe and the Former Soviet Union Countries on April 22.

According to the World Health Organization, cancer will be the world's leading cause of death in 2010, and is currently responsible for 7.6 million deaths per year. Without intervention, tobacco is projected to kill 1 billion people this century. As an example to world leaders and policymakers, the Vatican has been urged to take a closer look at its own tobacco policies. Since 2002, Vatican City has prohibited smoking in offices and public places. In a Catholic News Service interview earlier this year, Bishop Jose Redrado Marchite, secretary of the Pontifical Council for Health Care Workers, admitted that while the Holy See publicly recognizes the need for tobacco control many Vatican City merchants still sell tobacco products to their employees. He and other Vatican officials are taking steps to phase out these sales altogether.

For Dr. Seffrin, a crusader in the fight against cancer and tobacco for the last quarter century, this award holds special meaning. "I am personally appreciative of the commitment by the health professionals in Poland to fight cancer, and especially grateful for this recognition by the honorable Cardinal Glemp, an influential leader in Poland's return to democracy. Cancer knows no boundaries and affects people of all religious, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds. Together, we can help raise awareness about this disease and forge commitments to fight cancer across geographic and cultural divides that will save lives," says Seffrin. Under Dr. Seffrin's leadership the American Cancer Society has elevated its focus on global tobacco control and helped create an environment for the ratification of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) in more than 150 countries. The FCTC is the world's first global health treaty. The American Cancer Society is currently co-chair of the Global Smokefree Partnership, a global multipartner initiative formed to promote effective smokefree air policies worldwide.

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 13 regional Divisions and local offices in 3,400 communities, involving millions of volunteers across the United States. The American Cancer Society focuses on three areas of global mission delivery: advocacy, capacity building, and information. The Society leverages more than 90 years of experience to share knowledge and foster demand for cancer control, with multi-year engagements in more than 20 countries throughout Latin America, Asia, and Africa. For more information anytime, call toll free 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org/international.

To schedule an interview with Dr. John Seffrin, please contact Christine Schicker with The Maximus Group at 404-610-8871 or Andrew Becker of the American Cancer Society at 212-237-3899.