Lung cancer survivors and families invited to fifth annual 'Breath of Life Celebration'

Join RPCI in celebrating Lung Cancer Awareness Month on Saturday, Nov. 9

Roswell Park Cancer Institute invites all those touched by lung cancer or wishing to learn more about this disease to attend the fifth annual "Breath of Life Celebration" Saturday, Nov. 9, from 8:30 am to noon in RPCI's Research Studies Center, located on Carlton Street at Elm Street, across from the main hospital in Buffalo.

Hosted by the Roswell Park thoracic cancer team and sponsored by Lipsitz & Ponterio LLC, this free event offers lung cancer patients, survivors, families and friends an opportunity to gain information about new approaches to lung cancer surveillance, treatment, research and survivorship. All those whose lives have been affected by lung cancer are encouraged to attend and join RPCI in kicking off Lung Cancer Awareness Month.

"This event provides the community with updates on the latest advances in the treatment of and screening for lung cancer from local experts at Roswell Park. It also provides lung cancer survivors and their families with desperately needed advocacy and support," said Mary E. Reid, Ph.D., associate professor of oncology and director of collaborative research in the department of medicine at Roswell Park. "Lung cancer is a tough diagnosis that no one should have to deal with alone. At the 'Breath of Life' event, people can share their experiences with other survivors and learn about how to live with lung cancer."

The "Breath of Life" celebration will include opening remarks by Dr. Reid and Alex A. Adjei, M.D., Ph.D., senior vice president of clinical research and the Katherine Anne Gioia Chair in Cancer Medicine at RPCI. Educational sessions will focus on lung cancer screening and surveillance efforts, early detection, new therapies and new genetic markers, among other topics. In addition, lung cancer survivors will share their personal stories, and informational tables will be available where attendees can learn more about available resources. Refreshments will be served.

Lung cancer, the leading cause of cancer death in the U.S., is most curable when detected early. It is estimated that 228,190 new cases of lung cancer will be diagnosed this year in the U.S., and that 159,480 Americans will die from the disease in 2013.

This November, RPCI puts the focus on preventing and fighting lung cancer through smoking-cessation programs, early-detection screenings, new molecular testing and treatments. Staff will be honoring those who are at risk for and living with lung cancer.

To attend the "Breath of Life" event, RSVP by Monday, Nov. 4, to 1-877-ASK-RPCI (1-877-275-7724) or email [email protected]. To learn more, visit www.roswellpark.org/ breathoflife

The mission of Roswell Park Cancer Institute is to understand, prevent and cure cancer. Founded in 1898, RPCI is one of the first cancer centers in the country to be named a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center, and remains the only facility with this designation in upstate New York. RPCI is a member of the prestigious National Comprehensive Cancer Network, an alliance of the nation's leading cancer centers; maintains affiliate sites; and is a partner in national and international collaborative programs. For more information, visit www.roswellpark.org, call 1-877-ASK-RPCI (1-877-275-7724) or email [email protected]. Follow Roswell Park on Facebook and Twitter.