Tuesday 4 July 2006
Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland launches today a partnership with The Institute of Cancer Research to help raise awareness of the importance of early detection in the successful treatment of cancer. This aims to raise public awareness about cancer and its symptoms and help save lives.
The Institute of Cancer Research, Europe’s leading cancer research centre and one of the top four in the world, conducts research into every major type of cancer. It’s the sister organisation to The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust and has an unrivalled combination of genetics, molecular biology, radiotherapy techniques and drug development.The Institute has identified more cancer genes and has taken more cancer drugs into clinical trials than any other organisation in the world and is playing a leading international role in reducing mortality for a whole range of cancers.
Rotary Clubs in Great Britain and Ireland will be provided with a series of cancer information leaflets for distribution in clubs and communities, on the following cancer types: breast cancer, cervical cancer, childhood cancers, colon cancer, head and neck cancer, leukaemia and blood cancers, lung cancer, prostate cancer, ovarian cancer, skin cancer and melanomas, and testicular cancer.
President of Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland Peter L Offer said “I believe that supporting The Institute of Cancer Research is an opportunity for Rotarians to give service in helping to raise awareness in their communities on the issues around cancer and the importance of early detection. ”
Professor Peter Rigby, Chief Executive of The Institute of Cancer Research, said “We are recognised as world leaders in cancer research but research alone is not enough. Early detection is the key to more successful treatment. This requires an awareness of the early signs and symptoms of cancer among the general public so that patients are able to seek early diagnosis and treatment. In partnership with The Rotary we are confident that we will be able to get our messages to a much wider audience.”
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For further information please contact:
Judith Diment
01628 672965 or 07860 162313
[email protected]
Interviews with RIBI President Peter Offer and photographs available on request
Notes to editors:
- Rotary is an organisation of business and professional men and women who provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards, and help to build goodwill and peace in the world. Members carry out this work in their community and/or overseas by giving their time and their expertise. A Rotary Club is open to men and women who are business, professional or community leaders who want to use their experience for the benefit of others. Paul Harris formed the world’s first service club in Chicago on 23rd February 1905. The name Rotary is derived from the early practice of rotating meetings among members’ offices. Today there are some 1.2 million Rotary club members of more than 30,000 clubs in more than 200 countries and geographical areas
- For general information on Rotary in your area, contact the local Rotary Club President, details from Robin Freeman, Secretary Rotary International in Great Britain & Ireland: 01789 765411, www.rotary-ribi.org.