On Wednesday, at the Clinton Global Initiative meeting held in New York City, Armstrong announced his return to cycling "in order to raise awareness of the global cancer burden." He also invited world leaders to join him next July in Paris as he kicks off the first Global Cancer Summit, an effort to develop international partnerships to help world governments harness resources needed to fight cancer.

The Summit will take place immediately following the Tour de France, a race the 37-year-old will attempt to win for a record eighth time.

"I cannot guarantee any Tour victory, but I can guarantee that the 'Live Strong' message will touch all aspects of our society and all continents of our society,'' Armstrong said at the Clinton Global Initiative meeting, where he shared the stage with former U.S. President Bill Clinton and New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

The Clinton Global Initiative, now in its third year, brings together world leaders in an effort to mobilize resources to tackle some of the world's most complicated problems. This year's agenda includes sessions in four areas: education, energy and climate change, global health, and poverty alleviation. Both U.S. presidential candidates will have a role at this year's meeting.

"I am so pleased that Lance Armstrong and his Foundation made a commitment to increase their efforts to raise awareness and inspire action to fight cancer on a global scale," President Clinton said. "This campaign is a great example of what can be done to address pressing challenges in new and measurable ways -- which is what the Clinton Global Initiative is all about."

The American Cancer Society supports the Lance Armstrong Global Cancer Initiative in its efforts to reduce the toll cancer takes around the world. ACS representatives will gather at the Summit in July. The Society's Chief Executive Officer, John R. Seffrin, PhD, spoke at a press conference following Armstrong's announcement.

"The Society has already begun working in partnership with the Lance Armstrong Foundation domestically, proving that together, we can effectively leverage the collective power needed to bring about critical awareness, policies, and programs that save lives," said Seffrin.

"Because we know cancer affects societies on every continent, we must envision a global cancer awareness that transcends language, culture, or politics. Cancer is the world's problem. And it will take the world's leaders, from small communities to the highest offices in government, to win the fight that has gotten a significant boost here today."

The American Cancer Society has initiatives in more than 20 countries dedicated to fighting cancer through advocacy, capacity building, and information. For more information on our global programs, visit http://www.cancer.org/international.