Aflac Goes Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

COLUMBUS, Ga., Oct. 3, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Aflac, the leading provider of voluntary insurance in the United States, announced a new campaign aimed at helping stamp out breast cancer during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, with net proceeds going to the American Association for Cancer Research Foundation. The new campaign, titled "This Duck Wears Pink," will integrate internal and external events and communications involving social media, digital marketing and advertising.

"Aflac has a long history of supporting cancer-related causes, having given more than $92 million to fund childhood cancer treatment and research since 1995," Aflac Executive Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer Michael Zuna said. "Aflac is also committed to the prevention and treatment of breast cancer through research, education and collaboration, along with our long-term partner, the American Association for Cancer Research Foundation. We are happy to lend the support of our brand and the iconic Aflac Duck in this very worthy cause."

"Since 1997, Aflac and the AACR have been dedicated partners in support of cancer research. We could not be more pleased to collaborate with Aflac on this incredible, engaging marketing campaign. The AACR is thrilled that Aflac's generous investment will continue to fund breast cancer research as we work steadfastly toward a cure," Mitch Stoller, executive director of the AACR Foundation said.

The company will sell campaign-related merchandise, including a unique plush Aflac Duck wearing a pink bandana in celebration of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In addition to company-wide events such as Lunch and Learn sessions featuring experts on topics such as early detection, the Aflac Tower at the company's headquarters in Columbus, Georgia, will be illuminated pink for the entire month of October.

Along with a print advertising campaign, Aflac will be adding a pink symbol to the end of its television commercials urging viewers to go to thisduckwearspink.com to shop for a variety of items including the plush duck, ties, hats and a breast cancer ribbon pin, with all the net proceeds going to the American Association for Cancer Research Foundation for the specific purpose of funding research aimed at finding a cure for breast cancer. Aflac's 70,000 plus field force will be provided a variety of breast cancer awareness collateral to use at enrollment events.

About Aflac
When a policyholder gets sick or hurt, Aflac pays cash benefits fast. For nearly six decades, Aflac insurance policies have given policyholders the opportunity to focus on recovery, not financial stress. In the United States, Aflac is the leading provider of voluntary insurance at the worksite. In Japan, Aflac is the number one life insurance company in terms of individual policies in force. Aflac individual and group insurance products help provide protection to more than 50 million people worldwide. For eight consecutive years, Aflac has been recognized by Ethisphere magazine as one of the World's Most Ethical Companies. In 2014, FORTUNE magazine recognized Aflac as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in America for the 16th consecutive year. Also, in 2014, FORTUNE magazine included Aflac on its list of Most Admired Companies for the 13th time, ranking the company number one in the life and health insurance category. Aflac Incorporated is a Fortune 500 company listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol AFL. To find out more about Aflac, visit aflac.com or espanol.aflac.com.

About the American Association for Cancer Research
Founded in 1907, the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) is the world's oldest and largest professional organization dedicated to advancing cancer research and its mission to prevent and cure cancer. AACR membership includes more than 35,000 laboratory, translational, and clinical researchers; population scientists; other health care professionals; and cancer advocates residing in 97 countries. The AACR marshals the full spectrum of expertise of the cancer community to accelerate progress in the prevention, biology, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer by annually convening more than 20 conferences and educational workshops, the largest of which is the AACR Annual Meeting with over 18,000 attendees. In addition, the AACR publishes eight peer-reviewed scientific journals and a magazine for cancer survivors, patients, and their caregivers. The AACR funds meritorious research directly as well as in cooperation with numerous cancer organizations. As the Scientific Partner of Stand Up To Cancer, the AACR provides expert peer review, grants administration, and scientific oversight of team science and individual grants in cancer research that have the potential for near-term patient benefit. The AACR actively communicates with legislators and policymakers about the value of cancer research and related biomedical science in saving lives from cancer. For more information about the AACR, visit www.AACR.org.

Aflac herein means American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus and American Family Life Assurance Company of New York.

Media contacts – Jon Sullivan, 706.763.4813 or [email protected]

Analyst and investor contact – Robin Y. Wilkey, 706.596.3264 or 800.235.2667, FAX: 706.324.6330, or [email protected].

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20141002/150043 
Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100423/CL92305LOGO

SOURCE Aflac