The broadcast will air from 1-3 p.m. PT (4-6 p.m. ET) in select cities throughout the United States. The show reaches more than 500,000 listeners a week and is also simulcast worldwide via the Internet (www.vitaloptions.org).

The event, which will be held in conference room B, is free to the public. Patients, survivors, family members, friends and health-care professionals are welcome to participate as audience members.

"As an 18-year breast cancer survivor, it's an honor to join my fellow 8.9 million cancer survivors throughout the United States in marking this day dedicated to knowledge, hope and inspiration," said Selma R. Schimmel, host of The Group Room and founder and CEO of Vital Options® International TeleSupport® Cancer Network, the Los-Angeles-based not-for-profit international cancer communications, support and advocacy organization that produces the program in association with Premiere Radio Networks.

Joining Schimmel and The Group Room's medical oncologist, Dr. Michael Van Scoy-Mosher (who also serves as consultant for physician relations at City of Hope), will be guest experts from City of Hope including Dr. Richard D. Pezner, associate chair, Division of Radiation Oncology; Dr. Rhonda Sherman, clinical psychologist, Supportive Care and Palliative Medicine; Pilar Buelna, MSW, a clinical social worker.

All phone calls to The Group Room are screened by a licensed oncology social worker. Callers in the United States can enter discussions by dialing 1-800-GRP-ROOM (1-800-477-7666). During the week, individuals can reach Vital Options for support or to receive more information about cancer resources or stations carrying the broadcast.

Founded in 1983 when Schimmel was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 28, Vital Options was the first organization to address issues related to young adults with cancer before expanding to include issues and information related to everyone touch by cancer. In 2001, Vital Options was officially renamed Vital Options International to reflect its international expansion.

The Group Room is supported through educational grants from founding sponsor Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. and corporate sponsors Ortho Biotech Products, LP, Pharmacia Oncology and Genentech BioOncology Inc.

City of Hope Cancer Center is one of the world's leading research and treatment centers for cancer and other life-threatening diseases, including diabetes and HIV/AIDS. A pioneer in the field of bone marrow transplantation, City of Hope is a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center. For more information, visit www.cityofhope.org.