Newswise — WASHINGTON, D.C. — The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) has awarded Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) with its 2012 Distinguished Public Service Award for his outstanding leadership and support for cancer research, biomedical science and other national policy issues of importance to the cancer community. Members of the AACR leadership and scientists from Ohio presented the award to Brown at a special reception on Capitol Hill held on Sept. 12.
“Virtually all of us know someone who has been affected by cancer. We know a survivor or remember a loved one. We know that cancer affects not just the patient, but also family and friends,” Brown said. “This year, more than 1.6 million Americans are expected to be diagnosed with cancer, and while 12 million cancer survivors are alive because of advances in the way we prevent, detect, diagnose and treat cancer, we also know that challenges remain. I’m honored to receive this award from the AACR and look forward to working with this important organization to secure funding for advancements in cancer research and ensure that cancer is a thing of the past.”
The AACR Science Policy and Legislative Affairs Committee, with the enthusiastic concurrence of the Board of Directors, chose Brown for the award. This distinguished panel of scientists serves as the AACR’s principal means for devising and implementing strategies that influence important biomedical research-related public policy issues. “We are deeply grateful to Senator Brown for his contributions as a champion of public health and biomedical and cancer research,” said Margaret Foti, Ph.D., M.D. (h.c.), chief executive officer of the AACR. “His demonstrated support for the National Institutes of Health and the National Cancer Institute will enable the future scientific advances needed to seize today’s scientific momentum, capitalize on prior investments in cancer research, save countless lives and spur innovation and economic prosperity for our country and all our citizens.”
During the award presentation, Foti cited Brown’s active engagement on key issues of importance to the cancer community, such as the recent drug shortages and ensuring insurance coverage of clinical trials for patients whose only hope may be an experimental therapy. Foti also commended his tireless work on behalf of the cancer community in advocating for the improvement of public health and the advancement of cancer research.
The AACR also applauded Brown’s leadership in 2011 on a Senate resolution that recognized the 40th anniversary of the National Cancer Act.
# # #
Follow the AACR on Twitter: @aacr #aacr Follow the AACR on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/aacr.org
About the American Association for Cancer Research
Founded in 1907, the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) is the world’s first and largest professional organization dedicated to advancing cancer research and its mission to prevent and cure cancer. AACR membership includes more than 34,000 laboratory, translational and clinical researchers; population scientists; other health care professionals; and cancer advocates residing in more than 90 countries. The AACR marshals the full spectrum of expertise of the cancer community to accelerate progress in the prevention, biology, diagnosis and treatment of cancer by annually convening more than 20 conferences and educational workshops, the largest of which is the AACR Annual Meeting with more than 17,000 attendees. In addition, the AACR publishes seven peer-reviewed scientific journals and a magazine for cancer survivors, patients and their caregivers. The AACR funds meritorious research directly as well as in cooperation with numerous cancer organizations. As the scientific partner of Stand Up To Cancer, the AACR provides expert peer review, grants administration and scientific oversight of team science and individual grants in cancer research that have the potential for near-term patient benefit. The AACR actively communicates with legislators and policymakers about the value of cancer research and related biomedical science in saving lives from cancer.
For more information about the AACR, visit www.AACR.org.
RSS