PCRM asks ACS to cancel fundraisers

October 29, 2004, 11 a.m. EDT

ATLANTA--The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) and nationally recognized nutrition expert John McDougall, M.D., are calling on the American Cancer Society (ACS) to put an end to its "Cattle Barons' Ball" events. These Old West-themed fundraisers help promote the disease the ACS is committed to curing by encouraging heavy meat eating. More than 50 of these events are held across the country every year. They feature buffets of beef and other meats. The ACS recognizes in its literature and on its Web site that heavy meat consumption is linked to increased risk of cancer, particularly colorectal cancer. PCRM has conducted a yearlong campaign calling on the ACS to cancel or re-theme its fundraisers. Since 2003, new studies have emerged supporting the meat-cancer link.

Telephone Press Conference: Friday, October 29, 11 a.m. EDT

WHO: John McDougall, M.D., founder and director of the McDougall Wellness Center, Santa Rosa, CA., and the author of best-selling nutrition books, including "The McDougall Plan: 12 Days to Dynamic Health," "The McDougall Program for Women," and "The McDougall Program for a Healthy Heart."
Amy Joy Lanou, Ph.D., director of nutrition, Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine.

WHEN: 11 a.m., Eastern Time, Friday, October 29.

PHONE NUMBER: The toll-free phone number to call is 866-837-9782; the conference name is Cattle Barons Ball. An operator will ask for the caller's name and affiliation and will announce this information once all the callers have joined the press conference. The caller will then be able to listen in to the telephone conference, but will not be able to ask questions until the Q&A following the prepared remarks is announced.

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Editors' note: For more information on the American Cancer Society's Cattle Barons' Ball fundraisers and the meat-cancer link, go to www.pcrm.org and www.AmericanCancerSocietyPromotesDisease.org.

Founded in 1985, the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine is a nonprofit health organization that promotes preventive medicine, especially good nutrition. PCRM also conducts clinical research studies, opposes unethical human experimentation, and promotes alternatives to animal research.

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