FOR INFORMATION CONTACT:
Don Jewler, ACCC Communications Director
301.984.9496, ext. 208
djewler@accc-cancer.org
For Immediate Release: March 5, 2005
Breast Cancer Research Stamp Goes Global
Stamp founder to address attendees at ACCC’s Annual National Meeting
ROCKVILLE, MD—As breast cancer rates continue to climb both nationally and internationally, Ernie Bodai, MD, and a dedicated group are working to replicate the highly successful breast cancer research stamp program in countries around the world. First issued by the U.S. Postal Service in 1998, close to 600,000 stamps have been sold, raising nearly $50 million for breast cancer research.
"No other stamp has ever raised so much awareness and money for a cause," said Dr. Bodai, the California breast surgeon who came up with the idea for a "semipostal" stamp (priced above its actual value) to raise funds for breast cancer research.
On March 10, Dr. Bodai will speak at the Association of Community Cancer Centers' 31st National Annual Meeting in Alexandria, Va., sharing the inspiring story of his fight to create the breast cancer research stamp and his continuing efforts to take the stamp worldwide.
"Global Journey is the name of the campaign to have the breast cancer research stamp in all nations," said Dr. Bodai. "While there are many obstacles to overcome in this effort, these are minor compared to the battle against breast cancer. Our mission is for the postage stamp to fund breast cancer research projects and awareness internationally."
According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), an estimated 211,240 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed in the United States this year. In 2005 the ACS projects that breast cancer will account for one in three of new cancer cases among women.
The Association of Community Cancer Centers provides a national forum for addressing issues that affect community cancer programs, such as regulatory and legislative issues, measurements of the quality of care, and clinical research. Its unique membership of more than 650 hospital cancer programs and oncology private practices includes all members of the cancer care team: medical and radiation oncologists, surgeons, cancer program administrators and medical directors, oncology nurses, pharmacists, radiation therapists, oncology social workers, and cancer program data managers.
