SNY Sanofi

~ 2008 Olympic Champion Shawn Johnson Uses Participation in National TV Show to Urge Women to Get the Facts, Share the Feelings, and Look to the Future ~ BRIDGEWATER, N.J., Oct. 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- "What You Do Matters" is a new call to action for women urged by sanofi-aventis in conjunction with the company's sponsorship of the television and multimedia program Frosted Pink with a Twist. To address results of a recent survey revealing a need for greater education about women's cancers, one of the stars of Frosted Pink with a Twist, 2008 Olympic champion and granddaughter of a breast cancer survivor, Shawn Johnson, urges women of all ages that "What You Do Matters" - to look ahead to the future by getting the facts about their cancer risk today. "This cause means a lot to me and my family because when my grandma battled breast cancer 11 years ago, I believe 'what we did mattered' to help her get through it," said Shawn. "She and my parents asked a million questions about the disease. I was six when she came to live with us, and I did everything a little girl could to help out. Now speaking out about 'What You Do Matters', I feel I can make a difference by urging women of all ages to get the facts on their personal cancer history, share their concerns with their doctors and act now to prepare for the future." The six types of cancers affecting primarily women are breast, ovarian, uterine, cervical, vulva, and vaginal. In 2008, it is estimated that 260,950 women will be diagnosed, and an estimated 68,970 will die from one of these cancers. Yet, a recent independent survey conducted by Woman's Day magazine of 7,361 women readers found that too few women have all the information they need about women's cancers. Only one out of two women talked to their doctor about cancer risks. Half of respondents wished they knew where to find credible and reliable information about cancer, and just one fifth feel very knowledgeable about risk factors for women's cancers. "What You Do Matters" is an important call to action to inspire women to learn more about their family history of cancer so they can be educated about their risk of developing cancer," said Dr. Howard Burris, Chief Medical Officer, Sarah Cannon Research Institute. "When women are proactive and advocate for themselves, we know that with early detection and improved treatment we can impact their chances for survival. Also, when women have the facts and talk through treatment options with their doctor, family and friends, they know what to expect and go through treatment more easily." With its sponsorship of Frosted Pink with a Twist, sanofi-aventis hopes to help educate women about cancer detection, prevention, and treatment options. "What You Do Matters" urges women, regardless of age, to look to the future by getting the facts now. "Sanofi-aventis is proud to be a presenting sponsor of Frosted Pink with a Twist, a high-visibility initiative calling attention to women's health 'Because Health Matters' - sanofi-aventis' commitment," said Tim Rothwell, Chairman, sanofi-aventis Group U.S. Pharmaceutical Activities. From our innovative research strategy, to our diverse portfolio of therapies, to our support of patient education programs such as Frosted Pink with a Twist, we are committed to making a difference in the lives of cancer patients and their families, and to targeting cancer by attacking it on all fronts." As part of the company's commitment to arm patients with information, sanofi-aventis has developed an educational Website, http://www.cancerinfo.net/. The site is a patient resource center where women can download educational materials and link to sites of leading cancer organizations to learn more about helping to reduce their risk for cancer. For more information about Frosted Pink with a Twist and women's cancer risk, please visit http://www.cancerinfo.net/, or the campaign Web site at http://www.frostedpink.org/. For details on the Woman's Day survey, visit womansday.com. About Frosted Pink with a Twist Frosted Pink with a Twist is a dynamic television special that joins members of the 2008 US Olympic Gymnastics team with Grammy-Award winning music talent to raise awareness of cancers primarily affecting women. Through the combination of music and sport, Frosted Pink with a Twist offers a unique format to provide cancer education, encourage dialogue, celebrate survivorship and empower women to become advocates for their health. Hosted by Olympic Champion Mary Lou Retton, the show will highlight the current All-Around Women's Gymnastics Champion, Shawn Johnson, as well other stars of Men's and Women's US Olympic Gymnastics teams. Paired with our champion gymnasts will be icons of song, making for a historical event of sports, entertainment, and health awareness. Frosted Pink with a Twist will air nationally on ABC from 4:00PM - 6:00PM (ET) on Sunday October 12, 2008. About the Woman's Day Survey The Woman's Day magazine survey was conducted independently by Woman's Day, a media partner of Frosted Pink with a Twist. Between Aug. 11 - 22, 7,361 women took the survey online on the womansday.com Web site. About sanofi-aventis Sanofi-aventis, a leading global pharmaceutical company, discovers, develops and distributes therapeutic solutions to improve the lives of everyone. Sanofi-aventis is listed in Paris (EURONEXT: SAN) and in New York (NYSE:SNY). US.DOC.08.08.020 Media Contacts: Stephanie Stamatakou Amber McCracken sanofi-aventis Ruder Finn (908) 981-6127 (202) 974-5009 DATASOURCE: sanofi-aventis CONTACT: Stephanie Stamatakou, sanofi-aventis, +1-908-981-6127, ; or Amber McCracken, Ruder Finn, +1-202-974-5009, Web Site: http://womansday.com/ http://www.cancerinfo.net/ http://www.frostedpink.org/ http://www.sanofi-aventis.com/ http://www.sanofi-aventis.us/

Copyright