Source: PR Newswire
PRESS RELEASE

Worldwide — International Effort Includes Globe-athon "STEPtember" Pledge to take 10,000 steps a Day for Gynecological Cancer Awareness

Today, Globe-athon to End Women's Cancers announced 2014 dates and initiatives to raise awareness about below the belt cancers globally at the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists Annual Meeting on Women's Cancer. During its second annual effort, Globe-athon will occur during four weeks in September with hundreds of events and educational seminars throughout the world to raise awareness for, and ultimately increase, early detection and prevention of gynecological cancers. Below the belt cancers account for 19 percent of new cancer cases a year, according to International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) 2008 data.

During its inaugural year in 2013, more than 60 countries and 130 cities hosted events to raise awareness and encourage participation in Globe-athon. New to the effort this year, organizers are issuing the Globe-athon STEPtember Pledge, to provide a unifying action that anyone, regardless of country or language, can participate in to help raise awareness. The pledge, featured on Globeathon.com, asks individuals to set a goal of taking 10,000 steps a day during September to bring attention to below the belt cancers. Beyond awareness, the pledge also provides an opportunity to increase physical activity and better health, as risk of a variety of gynecological cancers have been linked to obesity. In fact, the World Health Organization recommends 10,000 steps daily for better health.

"Gynecological cancer rates throughout the world are on the rise and the impact on women is devastating," said Dr. Larry Maxwell, M.D., FACOG, Department Chair of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Inova Fairfax Hospital, and Globe-athon advisory board chair. "Globe-athon is a movement to raise awareness, but it also acts as a catalyst for unprecedented bridge building and collaboration beyond borders on a global scale. With this kind of attention on below the belt cancers, we have the opportunity to truly save a generation of women."

Four Weeks, One Cause

Over a four week time period in the month of September, Globe-athon will focus each week on a different region of the world. Participants will be able to find local events on Globeathon.com. Awareness events slated for each region will be tailored to meet cultural needs and will include walks, runs, music and dance performances, Zumba, and lectures, with below the belt cancer education sessions.

- Week of September 7: North and South America

- Week of September 14: Africa and Middle East

- Week of September 21: Europe and North Asia

- Week of September 28: East Asia and Asia Pacific

Resources for Education and Information

As part of the movement, educational resources will be available at Globeathon.com offering ways to learn about below the belt cancers, share information and participate in awareness and education events to help with early detection and prevention. The site provides Globe-athon event ideas, along with educational materials and videos available in multiple languages. Individuals will also be encouraged to visit the website and take the Globe-athon STEPtember Pledge.

Throughout the months leading up to September, individuals are encouraged to visit Globeathon.com for updated details on regional events, Globe-athon news and opportunities to participate in the movement. Stay Tuned.