MADISON, N.J., May 9, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Quest Diagnostics, the world's leading provider of diagnostic testing, information and services (NYSE: DGX), today announced its national sponsorship of Choose You®, the American Cancer Society's movement that inspires women to stay well by putting their health first and making healthy lifestyle choices to help prevent cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, 1 in 3 American women will get cancer in her lifetime, but there are steps women can take today to help change that statistic. More than half of cancer deaths could be prevented with healthy lifestyle choices, like maintaining a healthy weight through diet and regular exercise, avoiding tobacco products and getting regular cancer screening tests.

"We look forward to working with Quest Diagnostics as a national sponsor of the Choose You 'get regular health checks' commitment," said Terry Music, chief mission delivery officer for the American Cancer Society. "Their support will go a long way in helping women put their health first."

As part of the movement, women are encouraged to sign a Choose You Commitment, an online pledge to reach a specific, individual health goal. At ChooseYou.com, women can choose from five different health categories: eat right; get active; get regular health checks; protect your skin; and quit smoking. Quest Diagnostics is the national sponsor of the Choose You effort to remind women to 'get regular health checks.'

"Quest Diagnostics is proud to be a national sponsor of this important public health initiative," said Laure Park, Vice President, Corporate Communications and Investor Relations and the company's Corporate Citizenship Officer. "We hope that many will join us in supporting the Choose You movement, in recognizing women everywhere who care for their families, and in reminding them to also care for themselves."

Jon R. Cohen, M.D., Quest Diagnostics Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer said, "Our work at Quest Diagnostics is to put patients first every day. In doing so, we witness firsthand how prevention and early detection can change a life. By inspiring women to see their doctors and get their regular health checks, the American Cancer Society and its Choose You movement have the power to make a difference in American health – and for American families."

Quest Diagnostics is the world's leader in cancer diagnostics and is nationally recognized for its commitment to the health and wellness of its employees. In 2010, the company earned Cancer Gold Standard accreditation from the CEO Roundtable on Cancer in recognition of its commitment to its employees through the cancer continuum, from prevention and early detection to diagnosis, treatment and care. Quest Diagnostics Chairman, CEO and President Surya N. Mohapatra is an inaugural member of the American Cancer Society's CEOs Against Cancer® New Jersey Chapter, and the company is a 2010 Platinum Employer for Healthy Lifestyles award recipient from the National Business Group on Health for its HealthyQuest employee wellness program.

To learn more, visit QuestDiagnostics.com/ChooseYou.

About Quest Diagnostics

Quest Diagnostics is the world's leading provider of diagnostic testing, information and services that patients and doctors need to make better healthcare decisions. The company offers the broadest access to diagnostic testing services through its network of laboratories and patient service centers, and provides interpretive consultation through its extensive medical and scientific staff. Quest Diagnostics is a pioneer in developing innovative new diagnostic tests and advanced healthcare information technology solutions that help improve patient care. Additional company information is available at: www.questdiagnostics.com.

Contacts: Barb Short, Media, 973-520-2800; Kathleen Valentine, Investors, 973-520-2900

SOURCE Quest Diagnostics