One of the three scientists receiving the 2009 Nobel Prize for Chemistry is a former American Cancer Society research grantee, bringing the number of Nobel Laureates among the Society’s funded researchers to 44. Thomas A. Steitz, Ph.D., of Yale University received two multi-year grants from the American Cancer Society between 1983 and 1997 totaling more than $1 million. Dr. Steitz has also mentored two post-doctoral researchers (Carl Correll, Ph.D. 1993-1995 and Virginia Rath, Ph.D, 1992-1995). He was honored today along with Venkatraman Ramakrishnan of the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge, England and Ada E. Yonath of the Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot, Israel, for describing the ribosome and its function. Earlier this week, former American Cancer Society research grantee Jack W. Szostak of the Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Mass., was a co-winner of the 2009 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.
The 44 Society-supported researchers who have won the prize since 1946 is a record that is unmatched in the non-profit arena. This research into understanding an underlying mechanistic cause of cancer will also continue to inform the area of cancer detection and diagnosis as well as treatment. The American Cancer Society investment in cancer research facilitates the research advances and also is amplified by the training impact of future professionals who will contribute more cancer research discoveries.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Monday, October 5, 2009
American Cancer Society Researcher Among Nobel Prize Winners
Award Means 43 Society Funded Researchers Have Received the Honor
One of the three scientists receiving the 2009 Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine received an American Cancer Society research grant early in his career, bringing to 43 the number of Nobel Laureates among the Society’s funded researchers.
Former American Cancer Society research grantee Jack W. Szostak, Ph.D., of the Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Mass., is a co-winner of the 2009 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine along with Elizabeth H. Blackburn, Ph.D., of the University of California, San Francisco, and Carol W. Greider of Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Md. They were recognized for their discovery of how chromosomes are protected by telomeres and the enzyme telomerase. Their work described the function of telomeres, which reside on the end of chromosomes and are often compared to the plastic tips at the end of shoe laces that prevent them from unraveling, and the enzyme telomerase, which adds DNA to the tips of chromosomes to replace genetic material that has eroded away. Their groundbreaking research in the late 1970s and early 1980s identified the potential that telomerase might be manipulated for therapeutic purposes to prolong cell life and combat cancer. The discoveries have had an impact not only on cancer research but also on research into aging and other diseases.
Dr. Szostak received an American Cancer Society grants early in his career, before the profound implication of their work would become clear. He was supported by an American Cancer Society project grant for $125,000 between 1981 and 1983 while at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute for “Mutants of Yeast Deficient in Mitotic Recombination.”
In addition, all three recipients have mentored American Cancer Society grantees. Dr. Szostak was a mentor to American Cancer Society grantee Grant R. Zimmermann, Ph.D. (1998-2000). Dr. Blackburn has been a mentor to five American Cancer Society researchers: Bradley A. Stohr, M.D., Ph.D. (2005-2008), Jeffrey J. Seidel, Ph.D. (2003-2006), David Gilley, Ph.D. (1993-1995), Karen E. Kirk, Ph.D. (1992-1995), and Dorothy Shippen, Ph.D. (1989-1991). Dr. Greider was the mentor to grantee Alyson A. Kass-Eisler, Ph.D . (1996 -1999).
Dr. Blackburn also received the American Cancer Society Medal of Honor, the Society's highest honor, in 2001.
“The American Cancer Society’s research department has long recognized the importance of funding promising grants by scientists early in their careers,” said Elizabeth “Terry” T.H. Fontham, M.P.H., Dr.P.H., national volunteer president of the American Cancer Society. “The high honor Dr. Szostak received today is a proud reminder of the strength of the Society’s peer-review process and the credibility of its research grant program. The work of his that the Society began funding more than three decades ago is now recognized as having enormous potential to help us achieve a world with more birthdays, and inspires us to continue our investment in cancer research by training future professionals who will contribute more cancer research discoveries.”
One of the three scientists receiving the 2009 Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine received an American Cancer Society research grant early in his career, bringing to 43 the number of Nobel Laureates among the Society’s funded researchers.
Former American Cancer Society research grantee Jack W. Szostak, Ph.D., of the Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Mass., is a co-winner of the 2009 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine along with Elizabeth H. Blackburn, Ph.D., of the University of California, San Francisco, and Carol W. Greider of Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Md. They were recognized for their discovery of how chromosomes are protected by telomeres and the enzyme telomerase. Their work described the function of telomeres, which reside on the end of chromosomes and are often compared to the plastic tips at the end of shoe laces that prevent them from unraveling, and the enzyme telomerase, which adds DNA to the tips of chromosomes to replace genetic material that has eroded away. Their groundbreaking research in the late 1970s and early 1980s identified the potential that telomerase might be manipulated for therapeutic purposes to prolong cell life and combat cancer. The discoveries have had an impact not only on cancer research but also on research into aging and other diseases.
Dr. Szostak received an American Cancer Society grants early in his career, before the profound implication of their work would become clear. He was supported by an American Cancer Society project grant for $125,000 between 1981 and 1983 while at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute for “Mutants of Yeast Deficient in Mitotic Recombination.”
In addition, all three recipients have mentored American Cancer Society grantees. Dr. Szostak was a mentor to American Cancer Society grantee Grant R. Zimmermann, Ph.D. (1998-2000). Dr. Blackburn has been a mentor to five American Cancer Society researchers: Bradley A. Stohr, M.D., Ph.D. (2005-2008), Jeffrey J. Seidel, Ph.D. (2003-2006), David Gilley, Ph.D. (1993-1995), Karen E. Kirk, Ph.D. (1992-1995), and Dorothy Shippen, Ph.D. (1989-1991). Dr. Greider was the mentor to grantee Alyson A. Kass-Eisler, Ph.D . (1996 -1999).
Dr. Blackburn also received the American Cancer Society Medal of Honor, the Society's highest honor, in 2001.
“The American Cancer Society’s research department has long recognized the importance of funding promising grants by scientists early in their careers,” said Elizabeth “Terry” T.H. Fontham, M.P.H., Dr.P.H., national volunteer president of the American Cancer Society. “The high honor Dr. Szostak received today is a proud reminder of the strength of the Society’s peer-review process and the credibility of its research grant program. The work of his that the Society began funding more than three decades ago is now recognized as having enormous potential to help us achieve a world with more birthdays, and inspires us to continue our investment in cancer research by training future professionals who will contribute more cancer research discoveries.”
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
American Cancer Society and Lobo Men’s and Women’s Soccer Team Up to “Kick Cancer”
Lobo men's and women’s soccer will strap on their shin guards and team up with UNM Hospital, the UNM Cancer Center, and the American Cancer Society to "Kick Cancer" during a doubleheader at the UNM Soccer Complex on Saturday, October 3. The Lobo women’s soccer team will lace up their cleats first for a 5 p.m. match against Mountain West Conference foe TCU. Following the women, the Lobo men will take the field in a non-conference match-up against Cal-State Northridge at 7 p.m.
Both men’s and women’s teams will augment the cancer research theme by taking the field in pink jerseys, while giveaways include 1,000 pink water bottles and pink Howl Towels provided by UNMH. The Lobos will also be giving away a pair of Lobo men’s basketball single-game tickets. A silent auction of Lobo soccer gear will raise funds for the American Cancer Society, whose presence raises awareness for breast cancer research. The games are sponsored by UNMH and UNMCC.
“Cancer has affected or will affect many of us during our lives," said Lobo men’s soccer head coach Jeremy Fishbein. "The Lobo men’s soccer team is happy to join the fight against this disease and we hope for a future where no one has to hear the words ‘you have cancer’."
Donations will be accepted at the gate to benefit breast cancer research and all Lobo fans are encouraged to do their part and help the Lobo soccer teams "Kick Cancer." During the games, several Lobo players and coaches will be honoring friends and relatives who have been touched by cancer. Come support the Lobos and a good cause. Cancer experts and volunteers will be on hand to help answer questions and provide information on available programs, services, fundraising, and volunteer opportunities.
“October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month," said Lobo women’s soccer head coach Kit Vela. "The Lobo women’s soccer team is glad to help raise awareness about breast cancer and other cancers among our great fans and in our community.”
Entry to this game is free for UNM students, faculty, and staff. For the public, entry is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors (55+) and $3 for youths (18 or under). For ticket and game information please contact the UNM Ticket Office at (505) 925-LOBO or log onto http://www.golobos.com/. All seating is general admission. Men's and women's soccer single-game tickets can be purchased at the north gate of the UNM Soccer Complex up to one hour prior to a UNM men's or women's home soccer game.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Friday, September 4, 2009
Are you Tough Enough to Wear Pink? - Sept. 19 at NM State Fair
The American Cancer Society and the New Mexico State Fair-Expo NM are partnering up to bring you the 2009 Tough Enough to Wear Pink Rodeo. This event gives an outlet to the western community to aid in the fight against breast cancer. Locally, Tough Enough to Wear Pink is in its third year and has almost raised $5,000 with over 500 spectators in attendance. One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime. In New Mexico alone, almost 1,000 women will be diagnosed with the disease while almost 200 will die this year. Thanks to early detection, the death rate from breast cancer is beginning to decline and we need your support to keep the momentum to find a cure.So, please join us September 19, 2009 at 7:00 pm at Expo NM for the 2009 Tough Enough to Wear Pink Rodeo. Admission to the rodeo also includes a concert by Diamond Rio. There will be an auction benefiting the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event during the transition between the rodeo and the concert. Also, Tough Enough to Wear Pink regalia will be available for purchase during the rodeo, along with free breast cancer information provided by your local American Cancer Society.
For more information about tickets please visit www.ticketmaster.com or www.exponm.com.
For information about the Tough Enough to Wear Pink Rodeo, please e-mail Enrico.jeantete@cancer.org or call 505.262.6027.
If you would like to Donate please send checks addressed to:
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer
10501 Montgomery Blvd Ste 300
Albuquerque, NM 87111
Hope to see you all there!
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Statement on the Death of Senator Edward M. (Ted) Kennedy
Statement by John R. Seffrin, Ph.D.,
CEO of the American Cancer Society and the
American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network
On the death of United States Senator
Edward M. Kennedy
WASHINGTON, D.C. – August 26, 2009 – “We are truly saddened by the passing of a giant in the area of health care policy -- our friend, U.S. Senator and recipient of the American Cancer Society’s highest award, Medal of Honor and the National Distinguished Advocacy Award, Edward “Ted” Kennedy. Senator Kennedy was a passionate advocate for cancer patients and their families, not just in his home state of Massachusetts, but nationwide.
“Truly one of the great champions in this battle to fight cancer, Senator Kennedy has led a passionate effort against this disease during his more than 40 years in the U.S. Senate, championing health care-related causes from equal access to health care to increased funding for cancer research and screening for early detection.
“Known as the ‘Lion of the Senate,’ Senator Kennedy has fought to bring all the resources of the nation to bear in fighting cancer and other diseases, renewing the war on cancer by introducing a bill to overhaul the 1971 National Cancer Act. Senator Kennedy helped to reign in the tobacco industry with legislation that gives FDA the authority to regulate tobacco products, which was signed into law in June. Senator Kennedy also championed the expansion of the Children’s Health Insurance Program with an increase in the tobacco tax.
“Senator Kennedy was personally touched by this disease long before his own diagnosis, watching his son, Ted Kennedy, Jr. battle bone cancer as a teen, and daughter Kara Kennedy Allen battle lung cancer in 2003.
"We are deeply grateful for Senator Kennedy’s commitment and support throughout his long, illustrious career. He will truly be missed. We express our deepest condolences to Ted’s wife, Vicki, and the rest of his family."
Senator Kennedy's doctors indicated that he had a malignant glioma, a type of brain tumor. Below are some facts about this cancer.
There are many different types of gliomas. Their treatments differ, and can include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and biological therapies, in various combinations.
Gliomas are uncommon in children; the incidence rate goes up with age and peaks in the age group from 75 to 84.
About one-third of all brain tumors are gliomas, and about 8 out of 10 malignant tumors are gliomas.
The American Cancer Society estimates that in the United States in 2009, 22,070 people will be diagnosed with malignant tumors of the brain or spinal cord (12,010 in men and 10,060 in women) and 12,920 people (7,330 men and 5,590 women) will die from these tumors, accounting for about 1.5 percent of new cancer cases and 2.3 percent of cancer deaths this year.
Overall, the chance that a person will develop a malignant tumor of the brain or spinal cord in his or her lifetime is less than 1 percent (about 1 in 149 for a man and 1 in 186 for a woman). Survival rates vary widely, depending on the type of tumor.
The cause of most central nervous system tumors is not fully understood. Most brain cancers develop for no apparent reason and are not associated with anything that the person did or didn't do, or with any known exposures in the environment.
At this time there are no blood tests or other screening exams that can be used routinely to detect brain tumors before they start to cause symptoms. These tumors usually come to light as a result of signs or symptoms the person is having. In most cases, the patient's survival is determined by their age, the type of tumor, and its location.
The American Cancer Society combines an unyielding passion with nearly a century of experience to save lives and end suffering from cancer. As a global grassroots force of more than three million volunteers, we fight for every birthday threatened by every cancer in every community. We save lives by helping people stay well by preventing cancer or detecting it early; helping people get well by being there for them during and after a cancer diagnosis; by finding cures through investment in groundbreaking discovery; and by fighting back by rallying lawmakers to pass laws to defeat cancer and by rallying communities worldwide to join the fight. As the nation’s largest non-governmental investor in cancer research, contributing nearly $3.4 billion, we turn what we know about cancer into what we do. As a result, more than 11 million people in America who have had cancer and countless more who have avoided it will be celebrating birthdays this year. To learn more about us or to get help, call us any time, day or night, at 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org.
ACS CAN is the nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate of the American Cancer Society, dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem. ACS CAN works to encourage lawmakers, candidates and government officials to support laws and policies that will make cancer a top national priority. ACS CAN gives ordinary people extraordinary power to fight cancer. For more information, visit www.acscan.org.
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CEO of the American Cancer Society and the
American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network
On the death of United States Senator
Edward M. Kennedy
WASHINGTON, D.C. – August 26, 2009 – “We are truly saddened by the passing of a giant in the area of health care policy -- our friend, U.S. Senator and recipient of the American Cancer Society’s highest award, Medal of Honor and the National Distinguished Advocacy Award, Edward “Ted” Kennedy. Senator Kennedy was a passionate advocate for cancer patients and their families, not just in his home state of Massachusetts, but nationwide.
“Truly one of the great champions in this battle to fight cancer, Senator Kennedy has led a passionate effort against this disease during his more than 40 years in the U.S. Senate, championing health care-related causes from equal access to health care to increased funding for cancer research and screening for early detection.
“Known as the ‘Lion of the Senate,’ Senator Kennedy has fought to bring all the resources of the nation to bear in fighting cancer and other diseases, renewing the war on cancer by introducing a bill to overhaul the 1971 National Cancer Act. Senator Kennedy helped to reign in the tobacco industry with legislation that gives FDA the authority to regulate tobacco products, which was signed into law in June. Senator Kennedy also championed the expansion of the Children’s Health Insurance Program with an increase in the tobacco tax.
“Senator Kennedy was personally touched by this disease long before his own diagnosis, watching his son, Ted Kennedy, Jr. battle bone cancer as a teen, and daughter Kara Kennedy Allen battle lung cancer in 2003.
"We are deeply grateful for Senator Kennedy’s commitment and support throughout his long, illustrious career. He will truly be missed. We express our deepest condolences to Ted’s wife, Vicki, and the rest of his family."
Senator Kennedy's doctors indicated that he had a malignant glioma, a type of brain tumor. Below are some facts about this cancer.
There are many different types of gliomas. Their treatments differ, and can include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and biological therapies, in various combinations.
Gliomas are uncommon in children; the incidence rate goes up with age and peaks in the age group from 75 to 84.
About one-third of all brain tumors are gliomas, and about 8 out of 10 malignant tumors are gliomas.
The American Cancer Society estimates that in the United States in 2009, 22,070 people will be diagnosed with malignant tumors of the brain or spinal cord (12,010 in men and 10,060 in women) and 12,920 people (7,330 men and 5,590 women) will die from these tumors, accounting for about 1.5 percent of new cancer cases and 2.3 percent of cancer deaths this year.
Overall, the chance that a person will develop a malignant tumor of the brain or spinal cord in his or her lifetime is less than 1 percent (about 1 in 149 for a man and 1 in 186 for a woman). Survival rates vary widely, depending on the type of tumor.
The cause of most central nervous system tumors is not fully understood. Most brain cancers develop for no apparent reason and are not associated with anything that the person did or didn't do, or with any known exposures in the environment.
At this time there are no blood tests or other screening exams that can be used routinely to detect brain tumors before they start to cause symptoms. These tumors usually come to light as a result of signs or symptoms the person is having. In most cases, the patient's survival is determined by their age, the type of tumor, and its location.
The American Cancer Society combines an unyielding passion with nearly a century of experience to save lives and end suffering from cancer. As a global grassroots force of more than three million volunteers, we fight for every birthday threatened by every cancer in every community. We save lives by helping people stay well by preventing cancer or detecting it early; helping people get well by being there for them during and after a cancer diagnosis; by finding cures through investment in groundbreaking discovery; and by fighting back by rallying lawmakers to pass laws to defeat cancer and by rallying communities worldwide to join the fight. As the nation’s largest non-governmental investor in cancer research, contributing nearly $3.4 billion, we turn what we know about cancer into what we do. As a result, more than 11 million people in America who have had cancer and countless more who have avoided it will be celebrating birthdays this year. To learn more about us or to get help, call us any time, day or night, at 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org.
ACS CAN is the nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate of the American Cancer Society, dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem. ACS CAN works to encourage lawmakers, candidates and government officials to support laws and policies that will make cancer a top national priority. ACS CAN gives ordinary people extraordinary power to fight cancer. For more information, visit www.acscan.org.
###
Monday, August 24, 2009
"I made it to the Top!"-- Climb to Conquer Cancer
Nearly two dozen teams of all ages and backgrounds from the local community walked, ran, or biked 6.5 miles up the Sandia Crest Byway to the breathtaking summit at 10,678 feet where a family- fun festival awaited with food, entertainment and a silent auction.
The proceeds of nearly $15,000 will go to the fight against cancer. Those that made the climb can proudly say "I made it to the top." Many thanks to our sponsors and volunteers!
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