TORONTO, Jun 5, 2006 (Canada NewsWire via COMTEX News Network) -- MDS Diagnostic Services, a leading provider of laboratory testing and management services, today announced its continued support for the Canadian Cancer Society's Relay For Life and set a goal of surpassing $1 million in lifetime contributions to this important fundraising event.

Relay For Life is an overnight non-competitive relay that involves teams of 10 people who raise money through pledges for walking, strolling or running around a track for 12-consecutive hours. Funds raised help the Canadian Cancer Society support promising research projects, provide information services and support programs, advocate for public policies that prevent cancer, and assist those living with the disease.

MDS Diagnostic Services is the Founding Sponsor for this national fundraising event and has been an active supporter of Relay For Life since 2000. Over the years, MDS Diagnostic Services employees, together with family and friends, have formed dozens of Relay teams in communities across Canada and have raised over $850,000 to support the work of the Canadian Cancer Society.

"The success of Relay For Life is due in large part to the support of corporate sponsors like MDS Diagnostic Services," says Dr. Barbara Whylie, Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Cancer Society. "Not only do we benefit from their generous financial contributions, we also benefit from the support and enthusiasm of the many MDS employees who form Relay teams at the event and pledge their co-workers." This year, MDS employees will participate in more than 25 community events in British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec.

"Almost every Canadian has been touched by cancer in some way. In our daily work, all of us at MDS Diagnostic Services support the needs of cancer patients," says Hans Thunem, President, MDS Diagnostic Services. "Our involvement in Relay For Life is an opportunity for us to celebrate cancer survivors, honour those who have lost the battle and contribute to ultimately achieving better outcomes in the treatment and prevention of the disease."

"As the mother of a cancer survivor, I am proud to participate in this fantastic event for such a worthwhile cause," says Carol Ann Heffernan, an MDS Diagnostic Services employee in Cobourg, Ontario. "When you are living with cancer the fight is never really over. That's why annual fundraising events like Relay For Life are so vital. This is my third year participating and I know the funds I raise will help make a real contribution to the health and well-being of others."

For a full listing of Relay For Life event locations and dates across Canada this year, visit www.cancer.ca.

About the Canadian Cancer Society

The Canadian Cancer Society is a national community-based organization of volunteers whose mission is to eradicate cancer and to enhance the quality of life of people living with cancer. When you want to know more about cancer, visit our website www.cancer.ca or call our toll-free, bilingual Cancer Information Service at 1 888 939-3333.

About MDS Diagnostic Services

MDS Diagnostic Services is a business unit of MDS Inc. MDS Inc. (TSX:MDS)(NYSE:MDZ) has more than 8,800 highly skilled people in 27 countries. It provides a diverse range of superior products and services to increase customers' speed, precision and productivity in the drug development and disease diagnosis processes. MDS is a global, values-driven life sciences company, recognized for its reliability and collaborative relationships that help create better outcomes in the treatment of disease. Find out more at www.mdsinc.com or by calling 1-800-MDS-7222, 24 hours a day.

SOURCE: MDS Diagnostic Services

SOURCE: MDS Inc.

Norm Berberich
Senior Manager, Communications
MDS Diagnostic Services
(416) 675-6777 (x2800)
norman.berberich@mdsinc.com