To: Metro Desk

Contact: Beth Bukata of ASTRO, 800-962-7876, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

WASHINGTON, March 23 /U.S. Newswire/ -- The American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology is looking to recognize a cancer survivor in the Delaware Valley who has dedicated his or her time and energy to help others in the local community. The winner of this Survivor Circle Award will receive $1,000 and be honored at a ceremony on Monday, November 6, 2006, at the Pennsylvania Convention Center during ASTRO's 48th Annual Scientific Meeting, an international medical meeting with more than 10,000 attendees to be held in Philadelphia November 5-9 this year.

"Those who have fought the battle against cancer often become the most dedicated, supportive and vocal in helping others deal with their cancer," said Luther Brady, M.D., distinguished university professor, Hylda Cohn/American Cancer Society Professor of Clinical Oncology at Drexel University in Philadelphia and Chair of ASTRO's Local Arrangements Committee. "This award honors a cancer survivor who has gone above and beyond the call of duty to help the local community."

Any cancer survivor residing within the Delaware Valley who received radiation therapy as part of treatment is eligible for the award. The winner will receive a cash prize of $1,000 to either keep or donate to a support organization or charity of his or her choice. All interested parties must fill out a short application that focuses on what the applicant has done to give back to the community. The application can be found online at http://www.astro.org/annual_meeting/exhibit_hall/survivor_circle/index.htm. Applications must be postmarked by September 1, 2006.

The Survivor Circle began in 2003 as a way for ASTRO to recognize cancer survivors in the city where the Society holds its annual scientific meeting. Each year, ASTRO partners with local patient advocacy groups that help patients and their families cope with a diagnosis of cancer. Volunteers from these organizations then participate in an exhibit during ASTRO's meeting to help educate the doctors, nurses, therapists and scientists attending the meeting on their services for patients and help raise money for their causes. This year, ASTRO is working with the Cancer Hope Network and the Wellness Community of Philadelphia.

"Cancer survivors are a vital link in the battle against this disease. Their experience has caused many to become vocal advocates of cancer funding and research as a way to help lessen the blow of the disease on future generations," said Laura I. Thevenot, ASTRO CEO. "Our goal with this award is honor an individual is helping pave the way to a cure for cancer."

Applications for the 2006 Survivor Circle Award must be postmarked by Friday, September 1, 2006. To receive an application, please visit http://www.astro.org/pdf/AM2006/survivorcircleaward.pdf or contact Beth Bukata at 1-800-962-7876.

For more information on ASTRO's 48th Annual Meeting, please visit http://www.astro.org/annual_meeting/index.htm.

For more information on radiation therapy, please visit http://www.rtanswers.org.

ASTRO is the largest radiation oncology society in the world, with more than 8,500 members who specialize in treating patients with radiation therapies. As the leading organization in radiation oncology, biology and physics, the Society is dedicated to the advancement of the practice of radiation oncology by promoting excellence in patient care, providing opportunities for educational and professional development, promoting research and disseminating research results and representing radiation oncology in a rapidly evolving socioeconomic healthcare environment.

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