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  • Home > Blog > Featured Story > Sports Enthusiasts Get Opportunity to Cheer on Their Teams and Learn About Mesothelioma and Other Cancers at the Same Time
Posted on Friday, Mar 18, 2011

Sports Enthusiasts Get Opportunity to Cheer on Their Teams and Learn About Mesothelioma and Other Cancers at the Same Time

by Nancy Meredith
It seems that everywhere we turn we see another advertisement or commercial designed to bring attention to the plight of Americans that are faced with cancer each year.  Yet still, much of the general public remains unaware of the tragedy of mesothelioma, an asbestos-related cancer, or many of the other approximately 200 types of cancer.  But the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) found an innovative way to bring cancer information to millions of sports fans – partner with the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and include information about cancer and research during the ACC basketball championship game telecasts.

ASCO’s Cancer Campaign
The ASCO/ACC partnership is a continuation of ASCO’s public awareness campaign “Champions Against Cancer.”  The campaign focuses on using “sports-oriented collaborations and platforms to educate and empower people about cancer and their health.”  During last week’s tournament, games broadcasted on the ACC Network included information about cancer and the research being conducted by member schools of the ACC as well as directing viewers to visit Cancer.net, ASCO’s patient website.

ASCO, the world’s leading professional organization representing doctors who care for people with cancer, has a goal to get cancer information into the hands of patients and their doctors in a timely manner.  Ultimately, they hope their information will give the public the information necessary to take the appropriate steps towards cancer prevention and treatment.   According to the American Cancer Society just 5% of cancers are hereditary, meaning the lifestyle choices, environmental hazards and activity level people select all have a direct impact on their overall cancer risk.

Mesothelioma is one cancer that can be entirely prevented by eliminating exposure to asbestos.  The primary individuals at risk were exposed to asbestos in the workplace, such as insulators, plumbers and pipefitters, electricians, sheet metal workers, auto mechanics, refinery and factory workers and shipyard workers. However, family members of those that worked around asbestos can also be at risk of mesothelioma through second-hand exposure to the asbestos fibers brought home on clothes and shoes.

Champions Against Cancer
Through Champions Against Cancer, ASCO raises awareness about cancer and reaches new audiences through sports venues.  Other partnerships have included:

  • On The Line: Geared to challenging men to “get off the sideline” and take charge of their health. Athletes, sports commentators, celebrities, and legendary coaches participated in raising awareness about prostate cancer as a critical men’s health issue.
  • Kaleidoscope: Hosted by ice skating legends Scott Hamilton and Dorothy Hamill, this holiday event features athletic and musical performances, while raising awareness about cancer and survivorship. 
  • U.S. Figure Skating: ASCO and Cancer.Net have been official sponsors of U.S. Figure Skating, and this partnership allowed Scott Hamilton, Peggy Fleming, and Dorothy Hamill an opportunity to share stories about their personal experience with cancer.
  • Frosted Pink With A Twist: ASCO and Cancer.Net joined forces with five other national cancer organizations in a television event and multimedia education campaign—Frosted Pink with a Twist—that focused on educating viewers about cancers that primarily affect women, such as cervical, endometrial, ovarian, vaginal, and vulvar cancers.