LONDON.-Today, at the Royal College of Art, Catalina Aroch Fugellie from Mexico received the Best of Exhibition award for Oncology on Canvas: Expressions of a Woman's Cancer Journey, an international art competition presented by Lilly Oncology, to honour women's cancer journeys. The competition was open to women from around the world diagnosed with cancer, their families and friends, as well as healthcare professionals involved in their care. Catalina's winning entry, an acrylic called "On Hearing the News (La Noticia)," entered under the Family Member, Friend or Care Provider participant category, was considered by the judging panel to most effectively portray a woman's cancer journey in a way that inspires others to follow.

Catalina was presented with her award, a cheque for 2,500 Euros made payable to Servicio de Oncologia, Instituto Nacional de Perinatologia, her cancer charity of choice, at a ceremony held today at the Royal College of Art (RCA) in London, where all the winning entries are being exhibited. The one-day exhibition will be open to the public tomorrow, Friday 3 December from 10.00 to 17.30.

"I am honoured to receive this prestigious award, and grateful to Lilly Oncology for supporting the Oncology on Canvas competition and for all the work they do to research and develop new treatments for women with cancer," said Catalina. "Oncology on Canvas has provided me the opportunity to share my feelings about my fight against cancer with others through art. I hope that my artwork will help inspire others who are facing a similar struggle."

Nearly 500 pieces of art from 23 countries, including Germany, UK, France, U.S., Mexico, Hungary, Singapore, South Africa, Turkey and India were submitted for consideration. In addition to the winning entry, the judging panel awarded second prize to Seba Ugurtan, from Turkey, for an oil painting called "May Now Live / After Kemotherapy 1, 2, 3," entered under the Woman Diagnosed with Cancer participant category and third prize to Joelle Altazin, from France, for an oil painting called "Life," entered under the Healthcare Professional participant category. "Best of Category" winners have also been announced for each type of medium submitted (oils, watercolours, acrylics, photographs, pastels and charcoals). The second and third prize winners will receive 1,000 and 500 Euros respectively to be donated to cancer charities of their choices. Visitors to the RCA's exhibition of entries tomorrow will be invited to nominate their own personal favourite, and the "People's Choice" winner will be announced later in the month.

"Art therapy, as a complement to a cancer treatment plan, may provide an additional tool for people to cope with emotional conflicts and regain inner strength. Emotional healing is very important in addressing the physical illness being tackled by patients and physicians," said Ian Smith, Professor of Cancer Medicine and Consultant Medical Oncologist, Royal Marsden Hospital, UK.

Professor Graham Crowley, Head of the Painting Department at the Royal College of Art, said, "The Oncology on Canvas exhibition is evidence that it's not only masterpieces by renowned artists that have a profound impact. We are all capable of creating artistic expressions that can help us express our emotions on canvas and stir emotional response in others. We welcome everyone to come to the public viewing tomorrow of Oncology on Canvas."

The judging panel consisted of Professor Ian Smith, Professor Graham Crowley, Laetitia Von Peinen, an art therapist and cancer survivor who helps other cancer sufferers through art therapy classes, Selma Schimmel, an American breast cancer survivor and the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Vital Options(R) Cancer Network, a U.S.-based national not-for-profit cancer communications, advocacy and support organization, DeeDee Jonrowe an American breast cancer survivor and Alaskan cross-country endurance race champion, Dominique Pierrat, a journalist with Top Sante, a renowned French magazine specializing in health issues and Jeremy Parsons, Oncology on Canvas Art Competition and Exhibition Director, UK.

"Unfortunately, everyone has been touched by women's cancers, be it your mother, daughter, wife, sister or friend. In addition to our drug discovery and development this programme allows us to experience and share the strength, perseverance and hope of everyone involved in a woman's cancer journey," said Lorenzo Tallarigo, M.D., President of International Operations at Lilly. "Oncology on Canvas could not be celebrated without the support and partnership of our esteemed judging panel, the Royal College of Art, physicians and patient organizations that have embraced this initiative from different parts of the world and not least, the courageous entrants themselves."