Lance Armstrong Foundation to hold summit in Ireland

Champion cyclist Lance Armstrong is to host an international conference on cancer in Dublin after he takes part in the Tour of Ireland race, it was revealed today.

The cancer survivor will be back in the saddle this summer to promote his foundation, Livestrong, and force world leaders to commit to make the killer disease a global priority.

The Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF) announced the first Livestrong Global Cancer Summit will take place from August 24 to 26 in the Irish capital, the day after Armstrong completes the circuit.

The landmark event will call for urgent action to fight the cancer burden worldwide, and introduce new ways to control the illness by getting world leaders, corporations, non-governmental organisations and advocates together in an unprecedented show of solidarity.

“Unless we act on a global level, cancer will be the leading cause of death by 2010,” said Armstrong.

“Our goal is to be the catalyst that brings everyone together to fight cancer - from survivors, like me, to world leaders and policymakers who must commit completely to the effort to avoid a public health catastrophe.

“The summit provides an invaluable opportunity to stand up for the 28 million cancer survivors worldwide and to create a unified effort to control cancer through new commitments to action.”

The Irish Cancer Society said the summit will raise vital awareness in the fight against preventable cancer deaths.

“This announcement is a recognition of the major progress Ireland has made in the fight against cancer, through the workplace smoking ban. But much more needs to be done,” said chief executive John McCormack.

“By 2020 in Ireland, it is estimated that there will be more than 40,000 new cases of cancer diagnosed in Ireland,” said Mr McCormack.

“We can and must act to reduce the numbers of preventable cancers and this summit creates an opportunity to put cancer top of the agenda.

“The workplace smoking ban was a breakthrough, but it must be followed by awareness programmes and supports to help people stop, as well as a substantial tobacco tax increase.”

The Texan last took part in the Irish race in 1992.

Tour of Ireland’s Darach McQuaid said the global sports star can use the event to promote his cancer message all over the world.

“The Tour of Ireland could not be more proud than to have Lance Armstrong riding once again on Irish roads in the lead-up to his Global Cancer Summit in Dublin,” said Mr McQuaid.

“The massive, positive public reaction to his comeback to the sport in Australia in January and California in February indicate that, by the time Lance arrives in Ireland next August, the interest levels will be at fever pitch.”

Health Minister Mary Harney maintained that cancer control was a top priority for the Irish Government.

“The themes of the summit fit well with our new national cancer control strategy and anti-tobacco initiatives we have taken, such as the ban on smoking in the workplace,” she said.

“We wish the summit and the Lance Armstrong Foundation every success and we will be happy to welcome all international delegates to Ireland.”