This year an

estimated 31,600 Georgians will develop cancer and 13,700 will die from

the disease. One Georgian is being diagnosed every 16 minutes and one

will die of cancer about every 38 minutes. These numbers can be reduced

with early detection, education, and cancer screenings. Regular screening

examinations by a health care provider can result in early detection of

many cancers, when treatment is more likely to be successful.

"With

proper screening, 100 percent of colon cancer may b e

preventable," says Dr. Bruce A. Feinberg, CEO of Georgia Cancer Specialists

and the Georgia Cancer Foundation's chairman of the board. "Early

detection of breast, prostate, skin, and colon cancers could cut the cancer

death rate by 50 percent."

Last year,

1,038 participants benefited from the free screenings. There were a total

of 378 positive findings, primarily for skin cancer, which has a growing

incidence rate in the South. "This event can save lives," says

Brenda Horne, Executive Director for the Georgia Cancer Foundation.

Medical professionals

will conduct physical exams for breast, prostate, and skin cancers. At

10 of the 19 locations, the Georgia Cancer Foundation will offer screenings

for oral cancer and tobacco risk education. All qualified individuals

can take home a special testing kit for colon cancer. All abnormal test

results will be mailed to affected participants with a request for acknowledgement

of the results and a plan of action.

The screenings

are intended for adults who have not been diagnosed with that specific

type of cancer and have no known symptoms. They are also meant to be convenient,

with locations throughout metro Atlanta, as well as in Toccoa, Gainesville,

Macon, Hawkinsville, and Milledgeville. To make an appointment, call 770-396-7995

or 1-888-441-CURE (2873) or register online at www.gacancerfoundation.org .

This life-saving

event is possible due to the support of sponsors including Georgia Cancer

Specialists, The American Cancer Society, The Georgia Cancer Coalition,

the Tobacco Use Prevention Units of Cobb and Douglas Counties Boards of

Health, Fulton County Department of Health and Wellness, DHR Public Health

District 5, District 2 Public Health, Aventis Oncology, Ortho Biotech

Oncology, Immunex, Pharmacia Oncology, and hundreds of physicians and

volunteers.

Georgia Cancer

Foundation is a nonprofit, charitable organization providing comprehensive

community and professional cancer education, as well as early detection

programs and support throughout the continuum of cancer care. The Foundation's

innovative programs benefit Georgia residents who are affected by all

types of cancer.

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