Cancer Survivors to be Honored on National Cancer Survivors Day

Contact: Robby Channell, 601-968-5135 rchannell@mbhs.org

Jackson, Miss. – May 18, 2005-- Baptist Cancer Services will be celebrating the lives of cancer survivors on National Cancer Survivors Day, Sunday, June 5, 2004 at 2:00 p.m. at the private dining room at Baptist Medical Center, 1225 North State Street, Jackson, Miss. Nationally known motivational speaker and cancer survivor Edward Leigh will be the guest speaker.

This day will mark the eighteenth annual National Cancer Survivors Day, the world's largest cancer survivor event. This nationwide celebration of life will encompass different events held in over 700 communities.

According to the American Cancer Society's Cancer Facts & Figures 2005, cancers of the lung, breast, colon and prostate will be the most commonly diagnosed cancers in Mississippi this year. Overall, the American Cancer Society reports that an estimated 14,970 new cancer cases and 6,220 cancer deaths will occur in Mississippi this year.

“Despite this number, many people are ready to celebrate their victories. Even though some battles with this disease might not be over, cancer victims are living proof that a diagnosis of cancer is no longer a certain death sentence,” said Baptist Cancer Services Director Bobbie Ware.

Baptist’s Cancer Survivors Day will provide a chance for survivors and their families, as well as those who have lost loved ones to cancer, to celebrate the fight against cancer.

“Knowledge, hope and inspiration can help beat cancer. And there's no better place to find it than at a National Cancer Survivors Day event,” said Ware. “We hope Mississippians will join us at our community's event and show support.”

The event is free, but registration is recommended by calling the Baptist Health Line at 601-948-6262 or 1-800-948-6262.

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