In an ongoing effort to raise awareness of and funds to support free services and programs to help people affected by cancer, Amgen announced one of TV’s biggest stars — Patrick Dempsey — will serve as a spokesperson for the Breakaway from Cancer initiative. In addition, Amgen, in collaboration with the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS) and The Wellness Community (TWC), released the findings of a nationwide cancer and career survey that highlights the importance of making patients and caregivers aware of places they can turn for support.

Amgen created the Breakaway from Cancer initiative in 2005 as a complementary component to the company’s sponsorship of the Amgen Tour of California, a world-class cycling event taking place in February. Last year, through the Breakaway from Cancer effort, Amgen raised more than $1 million to support TWC, an international, nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free support, education and hope to people affected by cancer. In 2007, the initiative is expanding to also benefit the NCCS, the oldest survivor-led cancer advocacy organization in the country.

To assess the impact of cancer on careers and raise further awareness about the Breakaway from Cancer initiative, Amgen, in collaboration with the NCCS and TWC, developed a nationwide survey of cancer survivors and caregivers. Results of the survey indicate one in five cancer patients say they missed a scheduled treatment due to a work-related conflict — and, of those who skipped treatments, 50 percent say they missed or postponed three or more times. The survey findings reveal this concerning statistic, while at the same time demonstrate strong support from employers of both cancer patients and caregivers.
• 75 and 79 percent of cancer patients and caregivers, respectively, characterized their employer as supportive while dealing with their own illness or that of a loved one.

• Approximately 40 percent of the more than one million Americans diagnosed with some form of cancer each year are working-age adults, and nearly 10 million Americans have a history of cancer.(1)

• The most frequently requested and granted accommodation among patients and caregivers was time off for doctor's appointments at 55 percent. Other granted requests included flexible work hours, telecommuting or the ability to rest during the day.

• Six out of 10 respondents say they received support from their colleagues ranging from random acts of kindness to being the recipient of donated vacation time.

For more information, visit www.amgen.com.

Posted on February 3, 2007 07:10 AM