HAMILTON, Ontario, June 7, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

- The Only Conference of its Kind to Bring Together Hundreds of Survivors, Advocates and Health-Care Professionals From Around the World

Today launches the sixth World Conference on Breast Cancer in Hamilton, Canada. The Conference is the only one of its kind to bring together breast cancer survivors, advocates, health-care professionals and researchers from developing and developed countries. The common goal is to improve breast cancer awareness, prevention and treatment worldwide through knowledge exchange and global networking.

Approximately 500 delegates will attend the Conference, representing more than 30 countries. The five-day Conference includes opening ceremonies, three days of education sessions and concludes with a Youth Day focused on building breast cancer awareness and knowledge among youth aged 15 years and older.

The speakers include internationally renowned breast cancer experts such as Dr. Olufunmilayo Olopade, Professor of Medicine and Human Genetics and Director of the Cancer Risk Clinic at The University of Chicago who was recently appointed to the U.S. Cancer Advisory Board by President Barack Obama.

Another major focus of the Conference is the International Support Link project. This project provides non-financial assistance to organizations to help raise breast cancer awareness and provide education, advocacy, global action and emotional support. These needs have been identified as priorities by participating partners. At the conference, the project will help delegates gain the skills and knowledge necessary to fulfill their priority needs when they return to their home country.

Scotiabank is returning for the sixth time as the Premier Sponsor of the Conference.

Quotes:

"The World Conference on Breast Cancer embraces the very spirit of our global philanthropic program, Scotiabank Bright Future, by bringing together delegates from around the world to share experience and knowledge and build a better understanding of breast cancer," said Sylvia Chrominska, Group Head, Global Human Resources and Communications, Scotiabank. "As Canada's most international Bank we understand the value of bringing together diverse perspectives and we are extremely proud to be back as the presenting sponsor of this important Conference."

"My first World Conference on Breast Cancer was in 2001 - two years after my breast cancer diagnosis. I haven't missed a conference since," said Leila Springer, breast cancer survivor and President, World Conference on Breast Cancer. "The event brings together hundreds of women from different parts of the world, cultures, religions and socio-economic backgrounds with the shared experience of breast cancer. The Conference has been integral in facilitating connections between women and the breast cancer care, knowledge and support they need."

About the World Conference on Breast Cancer Foundation The World Conference on Breast Cancer Foundation is a charity dedicated to international and multi-disciplinary action on breast cancer. It holds a global conference on breast cancer every three years in Canada as part of its mission to increase awareness and advance action on breast cancer through knowledge exchange, capacity building, advocacy and global networking. Scotiabank is the premier sponsor of World Conference on Breast Cancer Foundation. For more information, visit http://www.wcbcf.ca.

About Scotiabank

Scotiabank is committed to supporting the communities in which we live and work, both in Canada and abroad, through our global philanthropic program, Scotiabank Bright Future. Recognized as a leader internationally and among Canadian corporations for our charitable donations and philanthropic activities, Scotiabank has provided on average approximately CDN $44 million annually to community causes around the world over each of the last five years. Visit us at http://www.scotiabank.com.

For further information:

Media contacts:

Fiona Robinson, Hill & Knowlton, +1-416-413-4737, fiona.robinson@hillandknowlton.ca

Deborah Clark, Scotiabank Media Communications, +1-416-933-0646, deborah_clark@scotiacapital.com

SOURCE The World Conference on Breast Cancer Foundation