Globe-athon to End Women's Cancers Announces Plans for Third Annual International Movement During United Nations Symposium and Interfaith Service Focused on Below the Belt Cancers
Global medical, political and religious leaders gather to raise awareness and discuss strategies to fight women's cancers around the world
NEW YORK, June 17, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today Globe-athon to End Women's Cancers announces the third annual international movement to raise awareness of below the belt cancers by uniting global medical, religious and political leaders during two days of events in New York City. Events will include a service at the House of the Lord Church in Brooklyn, NY and a United Nations Symposium to kick-off this year's efforts to build unprecedented awareness of gynecologic (GYN) cancers.
Each year GYN cancers impact the lives of millions of women and their families. They account for 16 percent of the 6.6 million estimated new cancer cases and 14 percent of the 3.5 million cancer deaths each year worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. While a lack of awareness is the biggest barrier to preventing GYN cancers, healthcare leaders also face other challenges such as women's fear or embarrassment to be tested, and limited access to screening and treatment programs, particularly in developing countries.
"Awareness among women continues to be our biggest challenge in preventing below the belt cancers today. With GYN cancer rates on the rise worldwide, now is the time for collaboration to help women understand these deadly cancers," said Dr. Larry Maxwell, M.D., FACOG, Department Chair of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Inova Fairfax Hospital, and Globe-athon Executive Director. "Globe-athon is a movement dedicated to building connections with leaders on every continent to help get women talking about below the belt cancers. By uniting doctors, religious leaders, politicians, patients and survivors in our mission, we have an opportunity to generate widespread awareness that can help save lives."
Tonight at 7:00 p.m. ET, Globe-athon will host a service with all faiths represented at the House of the Lord Church with Rev. Dr. Herbert Daughtry and Pastor Dr. Karen S. Daughtry to honor those women who have lost their battle with GYN cancers. During the service, New York politicians and international medical and religious leaders will sign a commitment to support Globe-athon in its mission to spread awareness of GYN cancers. The service includes important information on the early detection and prevention of GYN cancers, and performances by rock band N.E.D (No Evidence of Disease), the Jubilee Choir and Balance Dance Company.
On June 18, Globe-athon will welcome political and medical leaders to a United Nations Symposium to discuss the challenges and potential solutions for fighting cervical cancer, one of the world's deadliest, yet most preventable GYN cancers. The event will be co-hosted by The Permanent Mission of Grenada to the United Nations, My Sister's Health Watch and Inova Health System. According to the World Health Organization, cervical cancer is responsible for more than 270,000 deaths annually, 85 percent occurring in developing countries. While the rates of cervical cancer have fallen in the western world over the past 30 years, it has risen in developing countries.
Events this week are part of the third annual Globe-athon movement, with hundreds of events to occur worldwide in September 2015. Today, leaders in countries from the U.S. to Zambia and beyond are planning their events that will feature education seminars, cancer screenings, walks/runs, Zumba, musical performances, and much more. Back in Brooklyn on September 7, 2015, Globe-athon will participate in the West Indian American Day Carnival Parade.
Globe-athon is the only international movement focused on raising awareness and educating women about the prevention, early detection and treatment of all gynecologic cancers, including uterine (endometrial), cervical, ovarian, vaginal and vulvar. The movement is supported by international gynecologists, gynecologic oncologists and doctors, as well as gynecologic cancer survivors. During its second year in 2014, more than 200 cities in 70 countries hosted Globe-athon awareness and screening events in September.
Throughout the months leading up to September 2015, individuals are encouraged to visit Globeathon.com for updated details on regional events, Globe-athon news and opportunities to participate in the movement. Contact Globe-athon at [email protected].
About Globe-athon to End Women's Cancers
Globe-athon is a global movement to raise awareness about below the belt cancers. In its third year, Globe-athon is the only international movement focused on the prevention and early detection of all gynecologic cancers, including uterine (endometrial), cervical, ovarian, vaginal and vulvar. The movement to end women's cancers is supported by international gynecologists, gynecologic oncologists and doctors, as well as gynecologic cancer survivors. To find an event near you visit www.globeathon.com.
Follow us on www.facebook.com/globeathon and www.twitter.com/globeathon.
SOURCE Globe-athon to End Women's Cancers
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