Chirac, Matsuura and Wiesel Among Signatories of The Charter of Paris Against Cancer

Paris, 4 Feb., 2000 - Today more than 100 international leaders of government, patient advocacy, cancer research organizations and corporations will reaffirm and expand their commitment to the global eradication of cancer by signing The Charter of Paris Against Cancer at the first World Summit Against Cancer. The historic summit, which includes a candlelight ecumenical service on 3 February at the Cathédral of Notre-Dame, culminates with the signing of The Charter at Elysée Palace by Jacques Chirac, president of the Republic of France; Koichiro Matsuura, director general of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Elie Wiesel, Nobel Laureate; HRM Princess Chulabhorn of Thailand and key representatives from the cancer community.

"It has become increasingly apparent that cancer cannot successfully be fought in isolation. The battle can only be won by creating unprecedented global partnerships between government, industry, the scientific community, healthcare providers and those affected by cancer," said David Khayat, M.D., of the Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital and co-founder of the Summit.

Each year worldwide, nine million new cases of cancer occur and five million people die, reports the World Health Organization (WHO). Due to dramatic increases in life expectancy, changes in lifestyle and tobacco use the number of new cancer cases will rise to 20 million annually by 2020 and cancer deaths will exceed 10 million, despite advances in treatments, reports WHO.

The Charter of Paris Against Cancer is the first global call to action against cancer in the new millennium. Its purpose is to foster improved cancer treatment and research worldwide as well as empower patients by educating them about t
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Contact: Laurie Miller
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Porter Novelli
3-Feb-2000