Critical need for second NCI: Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center launches campaign

Mar 16 2010

While Florida has the second highest cancer burden in the nation, the state has only one National Cancer Institute. Successfully applying for NCI designation must include a commitment for additional funding from the state. The Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center is launching “We Tackle Cancer” bringing attention to the critical need for a second NCI.

“Thanks to the commitment of my doctors and the treatment I received, which included a 17-hour surgery, I was able to beat cancer.”

“With additional funding from an NCI designation, Sylvester’s patients will be given access to more treatment options,” said Dr. Jerry Goodwin, Sylvester Chief Medical Officer. “These treatment options include those on the cutting edge of cancer research and clinical trials.”

Sylvester is a resource for 6 million residents from a five-county area in South Florida. Last year, in addition to treating 4,000 patients at UM facilities, Sylvester treated nearly 3,000 new cancer patients at Jackson Memorial Hospital – the state’s largest safety-net hospital.

“The new designation would boost Sylvester’s research capabilities, creating hundreds of new jobs,” said Rep. Esteban Bovo (R-Miami).

“South Florida’s economy would also benefit from the influx of patients from across the state as well the Caribbean and Latin America,” added Rep. Anitere Flores (R-Miami).

Other states with populations of 10 million or more have multiple NCIs: California has 10, New York has six and Texas has three.

“With world-class researchers and more clinical trials, Florida residents will be able to receive treatment locally and not have to leave the state,” said Rep. Erik Fresen (R-Miami).

South Florida’s unique and diverse population allows Sylvester to contribute research in disparities for cancer patients, including:

• Late stage presentation and under-treatment of cervical cancer related to ethnicity and socioeconomic status.
• Cancer rates for Florida Hispanics are 40 percent higher than Hispanics in their countries of origin, as reported by the IARC.
• Breast cancer mortality rate for African American women is higher than Caucasian women, regardless of age, extent of cancer, type of treatment or socioeconomic status.

“I came to Sylvester with advanced testicular cancer,” said Frankie Andrews, cancer survivor. “Thanks to the commitment of my doctors and the treatment I received, which included a 17-hour surgery, I was able to beat cancer.”

The additional investment will allow Sylvester to attract more scientists, enhancing its research and novel treatment options for patients.