Canadian Cancer Society partners with SU2C Canada to make a bigger impact against cancer

TORONTO, Sept. 4, 2014 /CNW/ - On Friday at 8 p.m the Canadian Cancer Society, in partnership with Stand Up To Cancer Canada (SU2C Canada), will take another bold step toward preventing cancer and ensuring that Canadians receive better cancer treatments faster.

The Society is working with SU2C Canada on the first-ever Canadian-inclusive broadcast, where film and TV stars, executives and on-air talent from Canadian broadcasters, and leaders from health charities, government-funded organizations and corporations will rally North Americans to stand up to cancer. Money raised during Friday's one-hour live show will fund cancer research dream teams in Canada – multi-disciplinary, multi-institutional and collaborative groups of scientists – as well as cancer education and awareness in Canada.

"We are truly excited to partner with SU2C in this inspiring event," says Pamela Fralick, President and CEO, Canadian Cancer Society. "Looking at cancer from many different angles is key to making new discoveries to combat the disease. This unique initiative builds on decades of Canadian Cancer Society research collaboration, fostering stronger partnerships among cancer organizations and researchers from different disciplines and institutions."

Those scheduled to be part of the broadcast include Jennifer Aniston, Steve Carell, Robert Downey Jr., Jon Hamm, Melissa McCarthy, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kiefer Sutherland and many more. There will also be special performances by The Who, Jennifer Hudson, Common and Lupe Fiasco, Ariana Grande and the Dave Matthews Band. Thanks to the support of Canadian media partners, the event will air simultaneously on all 4 major English-language Canadian networks – CBC, City, CTV and Global – along with Canadian services AMI, CHCH, CHEK, Fight Network, Gusto TV, Hollywood Suite and TLN at 8 p.m. ET and PT and 7 p.m. CT.

"Hundreds of thousands of Canadians are profoundly touched by cancer every year. We hope that the SU2C broadcast will inspire viewers to make a big impact against cancer by donating," says Fralick. "And after September 5 our work really begins as we take the funds raised and create new dream teams, invest in awareness programs and strengthen our partnership with SU2C."

Ongoing funding for cancer research is crucial to ensuring that progress continues against the disease. Money raised during the SU2C Canada telecast will fund research teams focusing on hard-to-treat cancers and cancer prevention, among other key areas. "Working in a team of 20 or 30 specialists from different disciplines is really eye-opening," says Dr Artem Cherkasov, a researcher funded by the Canadian Cancer Society who is currently also funded as part of a US-based SU2C prostate cancer dream team. "We are more likely to find creative solutions when we look at the problem from 20 or 30 different perspectives."

"I am not surprised that SU2C wanted to partner with the Canadian Cancer Society since they are the largest national cancer charity in the country with the biggest reach," says Dr Cherkasov. 

The Canadian Cancer Society funds a wide variety of cancer research projects across Canada that focus on innovation and impact against all cancers. Through research, we now know more about what causes cancer, how best to prevent, detect and treat it, and how we can improve the quality of life of people living with cancer. In the 1940s, Canadians diagnosed with cancer had a 25% chance of surviving their disease 5 years after diagnosis. Today, the 5-year survival rate is over 60%, thanks in large part to advances in research that have led to changes in healthcare practices.

While the main focus of SU2C Canada is research funding, some of the money raised will also support cancer education and awareness programs in Canada.

Tune in on September 5, 2014, at 8 p.m. ET and visit www.standup2cancer.ca to stand up to cancer and donate.

About the Canadian Cancer Society
The Canadian Cancer Society is a national, community-based organization of volunteers whose mission is to eradicate cancer and enhance the quality of life of people living with cancer. Thanks to our donors and volunteers, the Society has the most impact, against the most cancers, in the most communities in Canada. Building on our progress, we are working with Canadians to change cancer forever. For more information, visit cancer.ca or call our toll-free bilingual Cancer Information Service at 1-888-939-3333 (TTY 1-866-786-3934).

About EIF Canada/Stand Up To Cancer Canada
EIF Canada, a Canadian registered charity, founded by the US-based Entertainment Industry Foundation, was established to conduct charitable programs in Canada addressing health and other issues. Stand Up To Cancer Canada (SU2C Canada) is a program of EIF Canada that raises funds to support collaborative research teams as well as education and awareness programs conducted in Canada.

SOURCE: Canadian Cancer Society (National Office)

Sasha Anopina, Bilingual Communications Specialist, Canadian Cancer Society, National Office, 416-934-5338