Drescher Takes On New Role For U.s. Government

The 50-year-old cancer survivor was announced as a U.S. public diplomacy envoy by Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs, Goli Ameri, on Monday (08Sep08).

Under her new office, the actress' duties will include working with health organisations and women's groups to raise awareness of women's issues, cancer awareness and detection, and patient empowerment and advocacy.

Her first trip is expected to take place at the end of the month (Sep08) and will include stops in Romania, Hungary, Kosovo and Poland. She is also expected to travel to the Middle East.

Drescher joins past envoys including American baseball star Cal Ripkin Jr. and Olympic skater Michelle Kwan.