Press Release
2009-05-26
ASCO to Honor CancerCare's Diane Blum for Dedication to Helping People Manage Challenges of Cancer
New York, May 26, 2009--CancerCare Executive Director Diane Blum, MSW, will be honored for her professional achievements on behalf of people affected by cancer at a special awards ceremony on June 1, during the 45th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncologists (ASCO) in Orlando, Florida.
ASCO will present Blum with its Partners in Progress Award, in recognition of her dedication to addressing the psychosocial needs of cancer patients and their families and improving patients' quality of care.
Since 1990, Blum has directed CancerCare, the nation's leading assistance and support organization for cancer patients and survivors. The direct-services organization, founded in New York City in 1944, provides free counseling, education, financial assistance, and practical help to people with cancer and their loved ones anywhere in the United States.
"I am grateful to ASCO's members for this award, which signifies the oncology community's recognition that addressing cancer's emotional and practical impact on patients and their families is vital to providing quality care, and must be a standard part of every patient's treatment," said Blum.
Blum also serves as editor-in-chief of Cancer.Net, the ASCO website that provides oncologist-approved cancer information for patients and the public, and has written and lectured extensively about the psychosocial impact of cancer.
Blum is among 17 oncology professionals who will be honored during ASCO's annual meeting, which runs May 29 – June 2.
"These awards recognize the best and the brightest among us, those who provide the skills and leadership to move cancer care, research, education, and prevention forward. I congratulate this year's group of highly accomplished individuals, each of whom has made significant inroads in the fight against cancer. It is our honor to bestow upon them ASCO's highest awards of achievement," said Nancy Davidson, MD, ASCO immediate past president who chaired the awards selection committee, in a statement announcing the awards.
ASCO is the world's largest organization of oncology professionals. Its annual meeting reviews the latest and most promising research findings in the cancer field.