Tennis Mom Betty Agassi Shares Her Battle With Breast Cancer And Champions Disease Awareness At The US Open

Betty Agassi,
mother of world tennis champion Andre Agassi, today will be launching a
global initiative at the US Open to educate women battling breast cancer
about ways that will help them minimize the risk of their cancer coming
back.


This education initiative, which is sponsored by Novartis Oncology,
focuses on the need for women with breast cancer to pay continued attention
to their health and conduct ongoing communication with their doctors. Mrs.
Agassi and Novartis Oncology in collaboration with the United States Tennis
Association are launching this education initiative from the US Open to
encourage international awareness of this issue.


"I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000, and it was a shock," said
Mrs. Agassi. "The thought of it returning is frightening; yet, I know the
risk is real. However, with the help and support of my family, I am here
today to encourage women with breast cancer to stay on top of their own
health. It is so important for women to understand that the battle with
breast cancer does not stop after initial treatment."


Regardless of all the diagnostic and treatment advances that have been
made, breast cancer still is a fearsome opponent. According to the World
Health Organization, more than 1.2 million people worldwide will be
diagnosed with breast cancer this year.(1) Medical experts attribute the
decline in breast cancer deaths to earlier detection and innovative
medicines, yet the disease is still a leading cause of cancer death among
women worldwide.(2) Tumors can often be removed, but can grow back, invade
surrounding tissues and organs, and travel to other parts of the body.


Through the education initiative, Mrs. Agassi is encouraging women with
breast cancer to embrace knowledge and communication as two of the most
powerful tools to use in reducing the risk of breast cancer recurrence.


Ribbon of Pink


During this year's US Open, the USTA has dedicated today, August 29, as
'Ribbon of Pink' Day to spotlight breast cancer awareness and the need for
ongoing vigilance against the risk of recurrence. Attendees are invited to
visit the Ribbon of Pink booth for more information on how to help reduce
the risk of breast cancer recurrence.


In addition, Mrs. Agassi is directing women to
RibbonofPink, an Internet site that provides information on
how women can stay informed about progress in breast cancer treatment and
tips for healthy living to help protect themselves after surgery.
"Researching and developing treatments for breast cancer has been a
focus for Novartis for more than 30 years," said Diane Young, M.D., vice
president, global head, Clinical Development, Novartis Oncology. "Making
sure women are as knowledgeable as they can be about advances in diagnosis
and treatment is our goal in supporting this campaign. Together with Betty
Agassi, we have a truly winning team to encourage all breast cancer
patients to continue to follow up on their treatment with their doctors."















About Breast Cancer Recurrence


While advances in breast cancer treatment have increased the likelihood
of survival, many breast cancer patients still may experience a recurrence
of their disease. Options exist to reduce recurrence, but communication
between patients and health care professionals about treatment choices is
crucial. Approximately one-third of women with estrogen receptor-positive
early breast cancer experience a recurrence, and over half of those
recurrences occur more than five years after surgery. Through at least 12
years of follow-up, the risk of breast cancer recurrence remains
appreciable; even some patients who are considered low risk have some risk
of the cancer coming back. Studies show that more than half of all breast
cancer recurrences and two-thirds of all breast cancer deaths occur after
completion of five years of standard tamoxifen therapy.


About Treatment Advances


Innovative medications, such as aromatase inhibitors, exist to help
reduce recurrence, but communication between patients and health care
professionals about ongoing treatment is critical. The goal of an aromatase
inhibitor is to deprive cancer cells of estrogen, thus helping to slow or
even halt the growth of the tumor. Leading professional organizations such
as the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the National Comprehensive
Cancer Network recommend aromatase inhibitors as part of optimal adjuvant
treatment for postmenopausal women with hormone-sensitive breast cancer.


About Novartis


Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation researches, develops, manufactures
and markets leading innovative prescription drugs used to treat a number of
diseases and conditions, including central nervous system disorders, organ
transplantation, cardiovascular diseases, dermatological diseases,
respiratory disorders, cancer and arthritis. The company's mission is to
improve people's lives by pioneering novel healthcare solutions.


Located in East Hanover, New Jersey, Novartis Pharmaceuticals
Corporation is an affiliate of Novartis AG (NYSE: NVS) - a world leader in
pharmaceuticals and consumer health. In 2005, the Group's businesses
achieved sales of USD 32.2 billion and pro forma net income of USD 6.1
billion. The Group invested approximately USD 4.8 billion in R&D.
Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Novartis Group companies employ
approximately 97,000 people and operate in over 140 countries around the
world. For further information please consult novartis.


(1) imaginis/breasthealth/statistics.asp

(2) uuhsc.utah/healthinfo/adult/breast/stats.htm


Novartis


novartis

RibbonofPink