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Atlanta 1999/02/17 -Despite the recent declines in cancer incidence and mortality indicating progress against cancer, some Americans continue to bear a disproportionate share of the cancer burden. In response to concern about this disparity, the American Cancer Society has approved a plan to target up to 10% of its research budget to research directed at poor and underserved populations. It is estimated that $8 million per year, or $4 million per funding cycle, will be available for funding in this area. The first grants will be announced in October 1999.
"The American Cancer Society has identified a critical need for research on the prevalence, early detection, prevention, and treatment of cancer in poor and underserved populations," says John Stevens, MD, vice president for extramural grants for the American Cancer Society. "Poor Americans, irrespective of race, have a 10% to 15% decreased rate of survival from cancer compared to the general population," says Dr. Stevens. "Smoking has become increasingly concentrated among socioeconomically disadvantaged Americans. Among adults with less than a high school education, smoking decreased by only 14% compared to 58% among adults with at least a college degree."
Grant proposals dealing with a variety of behavioral, epidemiologic, policy, health delivery, and clinical and basic science issues will be considered for funding. "The Society is firmly committed to supporting research that will result in greater access to cancer information, detection, and treatment by the poor and underserved and intends to maintain this targeting effort long enough to have an impact," notes Dr. Stevens.
In November 1995, the Society's Board of Directors approved a recommendation to allocate 10% of the research budget to areas of high priority for the Society. The new targeted area is the second for the Society, and replaces an emphasis on prostate cancer adopted in 1997. This change comes because prostate cancer research is now being funded at higher levels by the National Cancer Institute and the US Department of Defense.
The deadline for grant applications is April 1, 1999; the next deadline will be October 15, 1999, with the same dates in subsequent years. Information and grant application materials for investigators are available on the Society's research website, or through the grants administration or development office at institutions.
The American Cancer Society is the nationwide, community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives and diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy, and service.
Joann Schellenbach
National Director Media Relations
American Cancer Society
212-382-2169
jschelle@cancer.org
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