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           The American Cancer Society, High Plains Division, Inc., recognized winners at its annual media awards program for excellence in cancer journalism on Nov. 11, according to vice-president of the Division Communications Department, Jackie Bayly-Bryant. The virtual awards ceremony took place at the University of Texas, Austin campus and was streamed live for viewers. The event was co-hosted by board members Mary Coyne and Mary Lou Adams, PhD, RN; and featured presentations by chief executive officer Mike Dany, and chief medical officer, Mark Clanton, MD, MPH.

The Media Awards officially recognize journalists in the Society's High Plains Division (Hawaii, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas) for excellent work in covering cancer-related stories. "Through these stories, the public have learned more about cancer research, treatment, early detection, how to get help, and what it feels like to be a cancer survivor," said Bayly-Bryant.

             This year, 16 winners were selected by a team of 27 judges. Judges were recruited from media outlets and public relations agencies to carefully rate the entries for accuracy, originality, and effectiveness.

"Our judges painstakingly selected the very best efforts by journalists who entered the competition. Our award winners can be proud that their work represents the most outstanding print and broadcast cancer stories throughout our Division," said Bayly-Bryant.

Submissions included news and feature stories from radio, television, newspaper, and magazine journalists. A replay of the Media Awards ceremony, including video clips from winning video entries, can be watched at www.watchacsawards.com.

Congratulations to all the winners and a special thank you to all those who entered. Their media stories are vital in the fight against cancer. Below are the winners of the 2010 High Plains Division Media Awards:

 

MAGAZINE

 

Katy Magazine

Katy, Texas

 

NEWSPAPER

 

Small Market Daily Feature

Edie Ross, The Hutchinson News

Hutchinson, Kansas

 

Small Market Daily News

James Coburn, The Edmond Sun

Edmond, Oklahoma

 

Small Market Daily News

Karrey Britt, Lawrence Journal-World

Lawrence, Kansas

 

Small Market Daily Relay For Life

Shanna Sissom, Midland Reporter-Telegram

Midland, Texas

 

Medium Market Daily Feature

Mary Ann Roser, Austin American-Statesman

Austin, Texas

 

Big Market Daily Feature

Judith Newmark, St. Louis Post-Dispatch

St. Louis, Missouri

 

Big Market Daily Feature

Ken Raymond, The Oklahoman

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

 

Weekly Feature

Editorial Department, Ladue News

St. Louis, Missouri

 

Weekly Relay For Life

Kathleen Holton, Alvin Sun

Alvin, Texas

 

Special Promotion: News/Feature/Series

Staff, The Lubbock Avalanche-Journal

 

 

TELEVISION

 

Small Market Television Feature

Amanda Lanum, WIBW-TV

Topeka, Kansas

 

Small Market Television News

Christie Bett, KOLN/KGIN-TV

Lincoln, Nebraska

 

Medium Market Television Feature

Taylor Wilson, KPTM-TV

Omaha, Nebraska

 

Big Market Television Feature

Wendy Rigby, KENS-TV

San Antonio, Texas

 

Big Market Television News

Wendy Rigby, KENS-TV

San Antonio, Texas

Statement of Otis W. Brawley, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, American Cancer Society in Response to New York Times Article on Cancer Screening

"Today's New York Times article 'In Shift, Cancer Society Has Concerns on Screening' indicates that the American Cancer Society is changing its guidance on cancer screening to emphasize the risk of overtreatment from screening for breast, prostate, and other cancers.

"While the advantages of screening for some cancers have been overstated, there are advantages, especially in the case of breast, colon and cervical cancers. Mammography is effective - mammograms work and women should continue get them. Seven clinical trials tell us that screening with mammography and clinical breast exam do reduce risk of breast cancer death. This test is beneficial in that it saves lives, but it is not perfect. It can miss cancers that need treatment, and in some cases finds disease that does not need treatment. Understanding these limitations will help researchers develop better screening tests. The American Cancer Society stands by its recommendation that women age 40 and over should receive annual mammography, and women at high risk should talk with their doctors about when screening should begin based on their family history.

"The bottom line is that mammography has helped avert deaths from breast cancer, and we can make more progress against the disease if more women age 40 and older get an annual mammogram.

"Since 1997 the American Cancer Society has recommended that men talk to their doctor and make an informed decision about whether or not prostate cancer early detection testing is right for them. This recommendation also still stands.

"Cancer is a very complex and complicated disease. The American Cancer Society makes evidence-based cancer screening recommendations, and strives to provide clear messages about cancer screening to patients and doctors. Our guidelines are constantly under review to evaluate them as new evidence becomes available. Simple messages are not always possible, and over-simplifying them can in fact do a disservice to the very people we serve."

The American Cancer Society combines an unyielding passion with nearly a century of experience to save lives and end suffering from cancer. As a global grassroots force of more than three million volunteers, we fight for every birthday threatened by every cancer in every community. We save lives by helping people stay well by preventing cancer or detecting it early; helping people get well by being there for them during and after a cancer diagnosis; by finding cures through investment in groundbreaking discovery; and by fighting back by rallying lawmakers to pass laws to defeat cancer and by rallying communities worldwide to join the fight. As the nation's largest non-governmental investor in cancer research, contributing about $3.4 billion, we turn what we know about cancer into what we do. As a result, more than 11 million people in America who have had cancer and countless more who have avoided it will be celebrating birthdays this year. To learn more about us or to get help, call us anytime, day or night, at 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org.

In the fight against cancer, sharing hope and community are important as news of the latest medical breakthroughs.  Thus, CancerNewsNow.org was created to serve as the central hub for cancer related news and information.  Jackie Bayly-Bryant, Vice President of Communication states, "Our CancerNewsNow.org site provides media and our constituents with localized cancer-related news from the American Cancer Society, High Plains Division which covers Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, Missouri and Hawaii.  It is the official voice of the High Plains Division of the American Cancer Society."

    Through the website, people will be able to read about cancer breakthroughs, stories of hope, the impact the Society is making in the fight against cancer and much more.  In regards to the benefits and future goals of CancerNewsNow.org, Bayly-Bryant wants the media and public to know "those who register can stay in touch with our division's news and updates.  We will also provide links to our regional e-newsletters which offer a community-based focus on activities." In addition, CancerNewsNow.org provides several links for readers to share stories and news through other social mediums such as Facebook and Twitter.

    A part of the fight against cancer is awareness so it is our goal here at the American Cancer Society to provide accurate and timely information through CancerNewsNow.org against a disease that has already taken too much.

             The American Cancer Society combines an unyielding passion with nearly a century of experience to save lives and end suffering from cancer. As a global grassroots force of more than three million volunteers, we fight for every birthday threatened by every cancer in every community. We save lives by helping people stay well by preventing cancer or detecting it early; helping people get well by being there for them during and after a cancer diagnosis; by finding cures through investment in groundbreaking discovery; and by fighting back by rallying lawmakers to pass laws to defeat cancer and by rallying communities worldwide to join the fight. As the nation's largest non-governmental investor in cancer research, contributing about $3.4 billion, we turn what we know about cancer into what we do. As a result, more than 11 million people in America who have had cancer and countless more who have avoided it will be celebrating birthdays this year. To learn more about us or to get help, call us any time, day or night, at1-800-227-2345or visitcancer.org. 

AUSTIN, Texas--September 15, 2009--The American Cancer Society, High Plains Division, Inc., announced the winners today of its annual media awards program for excellence in cancer journalism, according to vice-president of the Division Communications Department, Jackie Bayly-Bryant.

The Media Awards officially recognize journalists in the Society's High Plains Division (Hawaii, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas) for excellent work in covering cancer-related stories. "Through these stories, the public have learned more about cancer research, treatment, early detection, how to get help, and what it feels like to be a cancer survivor," said Bayly-Bryant.

This year, 16 winners were selected by a team of 27 judges. Judges were recruited from media outlets and public relations agencies to carefully rate the entries for accuracy, originality, and effectiveness.


The 2008 Media Awards Winners

"Our judges painstakingly selected the very best efforts by journalists who entered the competition. Our award winners can be proud that their work represents the most outstanding print and broadcast cancer stories throughout our Division," said Bayly-Bryant.

Submissions included news and feature stories from radio, television, newspaper, and magazine journalists. The 16 winners will be recognized at a virtual ceremony on November 11.

MAGAZINE

Katy Magazine
Katy, Texas

NEWSPAPER

Small Market Daily Feature
Edie Ross, The Hutchinson News
Hutchinson, Kansas


Small Market Daily News
James Coburn, The Edmond Sun
Edmond, Oklahoma

Small Market Daily News
Karrey Britt, Lawrence Journal-World
Lawrence, Kansas

Small Market Daily Relay For Life
Shanna Sissom, Midland Reporter-Telegram
Midland, Texas

Medium Market Daily Feature
Mary Ann Roser, Austin American-Statesman
Austin, Texas

Big Market Daily Feature
Judith Newmark, St. Louis Post-Dispatch
St. Louis, Missouri

Big Market Daily Feature
Ken Raymond, The Oklahoman
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Weekly Feature
Editorial Department, Ladue News
St. Louis, Missouri

Weekly Relay For Life
Kathleen Holton, Alvin Sun
Alvin, Texas

Special Promotion: News/Feature/Series
Staff, The Lubbock Avalanche-Journal


TELEVISION

Small Market Television Feature
Amanda Lanum, WIBW-TV
Topeka, Kansas

Small Market Television News
Christie Bett, KOLN/KGIN-TV
Lincoln, Nebraska

Medium Market Television Feature
Taylor Wilson, KPTM-TV
Omaha, Nebraska

Big Market Television Feature
Wendy Rigby, KENS-TV
San Antonio, Texas

Big Market Television News
Wendy Rigby, KENS-TV
San Antonio, Texas

For questions or information about the media awards program, contact Greg Cameron at 512-919-1916, or greg.cameron@cancer.org.

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The American Cancer Society combines an unyielding passion with nearly a century of experience to save lives and end suffering from cancer. As a global grassroots force of more than three million volunteers, we fight for every birthday threatened by every cancer in every community. We save lives by helping people stay well by preventing cancer or detecting it early; helping people get well by being there for them during and after a cancer diagnosis; by finding cures through investment in groundbreaking discovery; and by fighting back by rallying lawmakers to pass laws to defeat cancer and by rallying communities worldwide to join the fight. As the nation's largest non-governmental investor in cancer research, contributing about $3.4 billion, we turn what we know about cancer into what we do. As a result, more than 11 million people in America who have had cancer and countless more who have avoided it will be celebrating birthdays this year. To learn more about us or to get help, call us any time, day or night, at 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org.

The American Cancer Society, High Plains Division, recently announced the 2009-2010 Childhood Cancer Survivor Scholarship recipients. Across six states, 201 chidlhood cancer survivors were awarded a scholarship. These youth are from 148 cities in 102 counties and are attending 105 schools.

 

Childhood Cancer Survivor Scholarships are awarded to students with a history of childhood cancer. This award gives young cancer survivors the opportunity to pursue an undergraduate degree from an accredited university, college, vocational or trade school.

 

One of the recipients is Amanda Klohman, of Chesterfield, MO, who has received the scholarship two years in a row. She says the scholarship makes school less stressful and allows her to focus more on school and not the financial strains. She is a junior at University of Missouri-Columbia majoring in journalism, and is a three-year survivor of cystic teratomas of the ovaries.

 

"When I first received the news, I was shocked, but I immediately took action because I wanted to do a lot," said Amanda. "Being so young, it gave me a different perspective. [The cancer] made me well rounded."

 

The American Cancer Society's Relay For Life events are the major source of these scholarship funds. While nothing can compensate for the hardships of cancer, the American Cancer Society's Childhood Cancer Survivor Scholarship Program gives young people a head start when beginning this important time in their lives.

 

The American Cancer Society created the scholarship program in 2002 and has since awarded 539 students nearly $1,940,909. For the 2009 - 2010 academic year the High Plains Division (consisting of Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas, and Hawaii) is awarding 201 youth scholarships, totaling $200,500.

 

High Plains Division residents, who are U.S. citizens under the age of 25, who have had a diagnosis of cancer before age 21, are eligible to apply. The American Cancer Society is confident these scholarships will assist the students in achieving their highest academic potential and personal career dreams.

 

Tremendous progress has been made in the treatments of childhood cancers. For all childhood cancers combined, 5-year relative survival has improved over the past 30 years, from less than 50 percent before the 1970s to nearly 80 percent today, due to new and improved treatments. For more information about childhood cancers or if you have been recently diagnosed with cancer, contact the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org.

 

Media inquiries should be directed to the local Communications Director. To find your contact, call (800) 227-2345 or visit http://www.cancer.org/docroot/MED/content/MED_1_Media_Contacts.asp and select your state.

 

  

      Hope is on the horizon, but the American Cancer Society's Hope Lodge Lubbock still needs your help. Show your support during the 38 Days to Hope campaign from Aug. 23 to Sept. 30 by making a gift. 

    Thanks to generous donors, the Society is within 5 percent of raising the $11 million needed to build Hope Lodge Lubbock. During the next 38 Days to Hope, the Society needs to raise the remaining 5 percent. Any size donation will be gladly accepted and gratefully appreciated.

     To make a donation:

• Visit www.hopelodgelubbock.org
• Call 806.792.7128
• Mail your gift to:  American Cancer Society, 3411 73^rd Street, Lubbock, Texas 79423.  

 Your Gift Will Make a Difference 

     Area cancer patients are postponing lifesaving treatment due to a lack of necessary housing and transportation. Each year, Hope Lodge Lubbock will offer 11,680 free housing nights to an estimated 2,200 patients traveling to Lubbock's health care facilities. Cancer patients will save an estimated $1.3 million annually in hotel expenses.

     Hope Lodge Lubbock, located at 3511 10^th Street, will be the first in Texas and the first located outside a major metropolitan area anywhere in the United States. The 32-room facility will include private guest rooms, a kitchen, laundry facilities, a dining room, a library, and a reflection room.

     To complete Hope Lodge Lubbock and sustain operating expenses, ACS must raise $15 million. To date, the Hope Lodge capital campaign committee has raised nearly $9.2 million.

     For more information about Hope Lodge, contact your American Cancer Society at 1.800.ACS.2345 or visit www.hopelodgelubbock.org. For details on naming opportunities, contact Mikell Bollinger, director of major gifts for the American Cancer Society, at 806.792.7128.

The High Plains Division of the American Cancer Society, serving Texas, Hawaii, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Nebraska and Guam, recently elected four new members to their board of directors.

Patricia Clapp, a leader in community affairs in Dallas, Texas, Mary Coyne, a leader in communications and marketing in Amarillo, Texas, James Hamilton, MD, a Kansas surgeon , and Rick Q. Ngo, MD, FACS, a Texas surgeon, will help set division-wide goals and provide insight and leadership to the High Plains Division. Each member is serving a two-year term on the 30-member board.

Patricia Clapp has an impressive history as an active volunteer with the Society and in the community. She has more than 40 years of community affairs experience and a strong background in training and fiscal management. Clapp has worked for the Dallas Regional Chamber of Commerce since 1987 and currently serves as the vice president for talent, education and workforce development. She graduated with a degree in English from the University of Oklahoma and completed postgraduate work from the University of North Texas.

Mary Coyne has an impressive history as an active volunteer with the Society. In 1980, while working as a reporter at the Amarillo Globe, Coyne was recruited to serve as the communications chair for the Society. She has since served as the communications committee chair for the state of Texas and then became a board member in Texas in 1992.

For the past two years, Coyne has worked to raise colon cancer awareness among African Americans and Hispanic populations in Texas. The two groups share a higher than average incidence and mortality burden from the disease. As the senior vice president McCormick Advertising, Coyne also provided media buying guidance to assist the Society in reaching millions of people with cancer screening messages.

Coyne received her bachelor's degree in journalism from Texas Tech University.

Dr. James Hamilton has an impressive history as an active volunteer with the Society. He served on the Society's education committee for four years and is the current chair of the Society's government relations committee in Kansas. Dr. Hamilton practices at Tallgrass General and Vascular Surgery in Topeka. Dr. Hamilton also teaches at the University of Kansas School of Medicine where he obtained his medical degree. His other services include the state chair on the Commission on Cancer, member of the National Commission on Cancer and cancer liaison physician for St. Francis Health Center.

Dr. Rick Ngo has an impressive history as an active volunteer with the Society and in the community. He has served on both local and international projects for the Society and has been critical in the outreach to educate Asians about the early detection and prevention of cancer. Dr. Ngo practices at Memorial and Katy Surgical Specialists in Houston. He received his medical degree from the University of Texas.

Among Dr. Ngo's many accomplishments is the nomination for the American College of Surgeons/Commission on Cancer Center's Liaison Physician Outstanding Performance Award in 2008. Dr. Ngo is serving a two-year term on the 30-member board.

About the American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society combines an unyielding passion with nearly a century of experience to save lives and end suffering from cancer. As a global grassroots force of more than three million volunteers, we fight for every birthday threatened by every cancer in every community. We save lives by helping people stay well by preventing cancer or detecting it early; helping people get well by being there for them during and after a cancer diagnosis; by finding cures through investment in groundbreaking discovery; and by fighting back by rallying lawmakers to pass laws to defeat cancer and by rallying communities worldwide to join the fight. As the nation's largest non-governmental investor in cancer research, contributing more than $3.4 billion, we turn what we know about cancer into what we do. As a result, more than 11 million people in America who have had cancer and countless more who have avoided it will be celebrating birthdays this year. To learn more about us or to get help, call us any time, day or night, at 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org.

One of the Original Kings of Comedy, #1 NY Times Best Selling Author for Act Like A Lady, Think Like A Man and host of the #1 syndicated morning show the Steve Harvey Morning Show Steve Harvey took a break from the spotlight to help the American Cancer Society save lives by encouraging colon cancer screening in the African American community.

Harvey, 52, underwent a colonoscopy at the Emory Clinic in Atlanta to check for polyps that could be cancerous and had his experience documented in a video diary for the American Cancer Society. The video, 'All Jokes Aside,' is now available on the American Cancer Society YouTube Channel.

"As part of the African American community, I believe this is a very important message to get across," said Harvey. "I too was afraid to get screened and made every excuse in the book not to, but I'm glad I finally did. I have taken a very important step, and I want this video to encourage other African Americans to do the same so we can stamp out colon cancer in our communities and most importantly, be around to celebrate more birthdays with our children and grandchildren."

In his video diary, Harvey expresses his desire to be around for his family, and stresses that colon cancer screening is one of many steps towards a healthy, long life. Harvey takes viewers through the screening process - from check-in to check-out, letting them know that being afraid is not an excuse. In one portion of the video, Harvey talks with his doctor about the polyps that were found, and is relieved to know they are non-cancerous. Harvey was back at work that afternoon.

The American Cancer Society recommends routine screening for men and women aged 50 and over and earlier testing for those at higher than average risk. Regularly scheduled screening can not only detect cancer at an early stage, when it is treatable and beatable, but can prevent cancer from developing when precancerous polyps are found and removed before they become cancerous. More than half of all colon cancer deaths could be prevented if everyone who should get screened did so.

For more information on cancer or the American Cancer Society, visit www.cancer.org.

The American Cancer Society High Plains Division works to save lives and create more birthdays in communities across the states and territories of Hawaii Pacific, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas. The Cancerenewsnow blog provides news and information about the fight against cancer. The High Plains Division communications department provides regular updates to the blog.

To contact us directly, please send an email to cancernews@cancer.org