AstraZeneca Recognizes Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day on October 13

WILMINGTON, Del., Oct. 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- In recognition of Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day on October 13, AstraZeneca (NYSE: AZN) is raising awareness about the thousands of U.S. women living with metastatic breast cancer. Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day seeks to generate attention and greater support for women living with metastatic breast cancer among the public and stakeholders within the breast cancer community and more research to extend lives.

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"Because of awareness generated by the breast cancer community and organizations like LBBC over the last 30 years, today we speak openly about early breast cancer and survivorship," said Jean Sachs, CEO of Living Beyond Breast Cancer. "But women living with metastatic breast cancer still face a unique set of concerns distinct from those diagnosed with early breast cancer and, even today, few programs are devoted to their concerns."

National Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day was officially recognized by the U.S. Congress on October 13, 2009, after both the Senate and the House of Representatives passed an unanimous resolution. This effort was planned and organized by leaders and members of the Metastatic Breast Cancer Network.

"While there have been advances in the treatment and management of metastatic breast cancer, the disease continues to end the lives of patients each year," said Shirley Mertz, board member of the Metastatic Breast Cancer Network and a metastatic breast cancer patient. "Women living with this disease need it to be recognized, no longer ignored and misunderstood. We need more resources and support as we try to live each day while being in constant treatment."

Metastatic breast cancer—a form of advanced breast cancer also referred to as stage IV breast cancer—occurs when breast cancer has spread to other parts of the body. The most advanced stage of cancer, there is no cure for metastatic disease, but it is considered treatable; the goal of treatment is to delay the progression of symptoms. It is estimated that approximately 156,000 women in the U.S. are currently living with metastatic breast cancer and this number is projected to increase to nearly 165,600 by the year 2015.

"During the last decade, the medical community has learned a great deal about the diverse treatment and management of metastatic breast cancer and support needs of women with breast cancer," said Joe Cordaro, PharmD, MBA, Executive Director of U.S. Strategic Development for Oncology at AstraZeneca. "AstraZeneca remains committed to supporting women with metastatic breast cancer and addressing their unique needs alongside groups such as Living Beyond Breast Cancer and Metastatic Breast Cancer Network."

For more than 30 years, AstraZeneca has researched, discovered, and developed medicines to fight cancer, and is committed to continued treatment research and development to help women with metastatic breast cancer. Since its inception in 1993, the AstraZeneca Healthcare Foundation has also sponsored National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, recognized every October. Activities that take place during this month are meant to promote breast cancer awareness, share information on the disease, and provide greater access to screening services.

NOTES TO EDITORS

About Living Beyond Breast Cancer
As a national education and support organization, Living Beyond Breast Cancer (LBBC) is dedicated to assisting women, whether they are newly diagnosed, in treatment, recently completed treatment, are years beyond or are living with metastatic breast cancer. LBBC is also there for family members, caregivers, friends and healthcare providers to provide breast cancer information and support. LBBC provides national educational programs and services that include a website, lbbc.org; a toll-free Survivors' Helpline, (888) 753-LBBC (5222); the "Understanding Breast Cancer" guide series; national conferences; free teleconferences; networking programs; quarterly newsletters; publications for African-American and Latina women; healthcare-provider trainings; transcripts, video and MP3 podcast recordings and the Paula A. Seidman Library & Resource Center. For more information, visit www.lbbc.org.

About Metastatic Breast Cancer Network
MBCN is a national, independent, nonprofit, patient advocacy group dedicated to the unique concerns of the women and men living with metastatic breast cancer. We strive to help those living with stage IV breast cancer be their own best advocate through providing education and information on treatments and coping with the disease. For more information, visit www.mbcn.org.

About AstraZeneca
AstraZeneca is a global, innovation-driven biopharmaceutical business with a primary focus on the discovery, development and commercialization of prescription medicines for gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, neuroscience, respiratory and inflammation, oncology and infectious disease. AstraZeneca operates in over 100 countries and its innovative medicines are used by millions of patients worldwide.

For more information about AstraZeneca in the U.S. or our AZ&Me™ Prescription Savings programs, please visit: www.astrazeneca-us.com or call 1-800-AZandMe (292-6363).

CONTACTS

Media Inquiries:
AstraZeneca
Rachelle Benson: 302-885-5853 

Living Beyond Breast Cancer
Kevin Gianotto: 610-645-4567

Metastatic Breast Cancer Network
Michele Przypyszny: 888-500-0370

SOURCE AstraZeneca