Komen and AACR address cancer disparities

Apr 17 2007

Uniting the world's oldest and largest scientific organization dedicated to cancer research with the world's largest network of cancer survivors and activists, the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) and Susan G. Komen for the Cure have launched a new partnership that focuses on three mutual priorities in cancer: finding ways to prevent cancer; addressing cancer disparities and ensuring ethical, standardized tissue sample storage and access for patients and researchers.

Komen for the Cure has granted more than $2 million to AACR to apply its scientific expertise and its ability to translate scientific concepts to lay-friendly language in order to build public understanding and appreciation of these three key cancer issues. Specifically, the funds will support educational outreach such as the AACR Scientist, Survivor Program, public forums and symposia, public policy initiatives, and interactive online web destinations. The Komen pledge will also help to underwrite upcoming AACR scientific meetings, including the Frontiers in Cancer Research Prevention Meeting in Philadelphia, Dec. 5 – 8, 2007; a meeting focusing on breast cancer research; and an inaugural conference on health disparities.

AACR and Komen leaders agree that to impact cancer mortality and to increase public health, serious and sustainable progress in cancer prevention research and cancer health disparities must be made.

“While 10 million Americans are surviving cancer today due to progress in cancer research, unacceptable disparities still exist within minority communities,” said AACR Chief Executive Officer Margaret Foti, Ph.D., M.D. (h.c.). “Through our partnership with Susan G. Komen for the Cure, we hope to identify the challenges and eliminate the barriers preventing these populations from gaining access to knowledge about the latest advances in cancer research, treatment and prevention.”

“The time is ripe to close the gaps in research and access to quality care that cause breast cancer to be deadlier for some women than others,” said Susan G. Komen for the Cure President and Chief Executive Officer Hala Moddelmog. “Our partnership with AACR in combating these blatant disparities underscores Komen's commitment to prevent and ultimately end breast cancer forever. This partnership is part of our promise to invest another $1 billion in breast cancer research and community outreach programs in the next decade.”

2007 is a pivotal time to enter into such a partnership as it commemorates the AACR Centennial, as well as the 25th anniversary of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Both occasions honor the progress that has been made in cancer research and advocacy, and through this partnership, set a public course for future advances toward the prevention and cure of cancer.

Further details on this unique partnership will be announced during the opening Centennial Ceremony of the 2007 AACR Annual Meeting on Sunday, April 15th in Los Angeles, Calif. 

http://www.aacr.org/ and http://www.komen.org