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MONTREAL -- (Marketwire) -- 08/29/12 -- Today, cancer survivor and advocate Lance Armstrong delivered a keynote address before 2,000 dignitaries at the World Cancer Congress in Montréal. He announced that his Foundation was making a $500,000 commitment and entering into a three-year joint initiative with the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) - Expanding Global Access to Essential Medicines and Technologies.

"We believe improving access to essential medicines is crucial for helping cancer patients worldwide live longer, healthier lives, free from pain," said Armstrong.

During Armstrong's presentation, Survivorship: Changing the Way the World Fights Cancer, he spoke about the importance of empowering patients to take control of their own health and health care, fighting the stigma that still surrounds cancer in many parts of the world and assisting in cancer patient transitions now that more people are surviving cancer.

"I'm humbled to be in the presence of many of my personal heroes today, champions in the fight against cancer who have shared their wisdom and experience with me for 15 years," said Armstrong. "They have profoundly influenced me and the work of the Lance Armstrong Foundation and I am forever grateful."

Speaking at the UICC World Cancer Congress, the organization's CEO, Cary Adams, said, "The strength of UICC's efforts is founded in our partnerships. We are delighted to announce our increased collaboration with the Lance Armstrong Foundation. We look forward to seeing the impact that our mutual efforts can have in enhancing global cancer control measures."

Since the Foundation expanded their efforts globally in 2009, Armstrong has been at the forefront of the first unified global movement to combat cancer around the world and the Foundation is making tremendous progress in that arena. The Foundation is presenting on the success of their global partnerships and projects during Congress sessions, including:

•How to Win Financial Support Through Corporate Partnerships •Innovative Strategies to Empower Survivors in the Global Fight Against Cancer •Shattering Global Perceptions of Cancer: How Awareness Campaigns are Changing the Course of This Disease •Palliative Care Advocacy Through the Social Media

Earlier in the week, Foundation President and CEO Doug Ulman was re-elected to the UICC Board of Directors during the UICC General Assembly.