ANAHEIM, Calif., April 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Cancer patients and survivors have a rare opportunity to interact with the world's leaders in cancer research on April 16, at the American Association for Cancer Research's (AACR) 9th Annual Public Forum in Anaheim, CA.
The AACR, the world's leading professional organization of research scientists dedicated to the cure and prevention of cancer, kicks off its Annual Meeting by inviting Southern California cancer patients, survivors and advocates to the Public Forum -- "Progress and New Hope in the Fight Against Cancer: A Public Forum Highlighting the Latest Discoveries."
"The Public Forum provides the public with clear, actionable and empowering information that will help cancer patients make appropriate decisions, explore networking opportunities, influence legislation and learn how to mobilize support in their communities," said Gwen Darien, the director of AACR's new Survivor and Patient Advocacy Program.
Attendees will learn about the latest discoveries in cancer detection, prevention and treatment directly from the top cancer scientists through focused presentations and "Ask the Expert" sessions.
Today, strategies for cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment, are continually evolving and patients and survivors have more options than ever before. The AACR's Annual Meeting brings together leaders in cancer research to discuss new and significant discoveries in the fight against cancer, while the Public Forum grants attendees access to these discoveries, allowing them to ask questions and discuss innovative science with the experts in everyday terms.
In addition to meeting experts in oncology, Public Forum participants can obtain information about various support programs and find out how to get involved in patient advocacy and support programs from the many organizations exhibiting throughout the afternoon.
The Survivor and Patient Advocacy Program, which will be launched at this year's Public Forum, is the only stand-alone department in a cancer research organization. It's dedicated to fostering mutually beneficial and enduring partnerships among leaders of the cancer survivor and patient advocacy and scientific communities. The Public Forum expands the reach of the Survivor and Patient Advocacy Program by promoting public awareness and increasing public understanding of the progress in cancer research.
Among the presenters at this year's Public Forum are two notable experts in the field of oncology. Dr. Thomas Sellers, Associate Center Director, Cancer Control at the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute in Tampa, Fla., will discuss the environmental impact on cancer and recommend actionable steps for Californians to prevent disease.
Dr. James L. Abbruzzese, Professor and Chairman, Medical Oncology, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, will talk about the importance of research in improving patient care and discuss new strategies to ensure an early diagnosis, offer new information on prevention, and provide more effective treatments to patients.
The Public Forum will be held during the AACR's 96th Annual Meeting on Saturday April 16, 10am - 2pm, at the Hilton Anaheim.
About the American Association for Cancer Research
Founded in 1907, the American Association for Cancer Research is a professional society of more than 24,000 scientists and physicians engaged in cancer research in the United States and more than 60 countries. AACR's mission is to accelerate the prevention and cure of cancer through research, education, communication, and advocacy. Its principal activities include the publication of five major peer-reviewed scientific journals: Cancer Research; Clinical Cancer Research; Molecular Cancer Therapeutics; Molecular Cancer Research; and Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention. AACR's Annual Meetings attract more than 16,000 participants who share new and significant discoveries in the cancer field. Specialty meetings, held throughout the year, focus on the latest developments in all areas of cancer research.
American Association for Cancer ResearchCONTACT: Alanna Kennedy, +1-215-440-9300 ext. 240, of AmericanAssociation for Cancer Research; or Rachel Laitala, +1-212-631-0505, ext. 33,or cell, +1-917-744-4611, of SENSEI Health Communications