Connecticut Challenge Provides Funding for Cancer Survivorship Research at Yale Cancer Center
For Immediate Release
Date: 03/18/08
Contact: Renee Gaudette, 203-436-8533 or renee.gaudette@yale.edu
New Haven, Conn.-Yale Cancer Center and the Connecticut Challenge recently announced new pilot funding to support cancer survivorship research at Yale. Providing a total of $125,000 in support to four cancer researchers, the new program will initiate innovative research into the health-related issues and emotional concerns of cancer survivors.
The data gathered from these four projects promises to change the way cancer survivors are cared for in the future. “We are using these funds to build a critically needed research base to improve the lives of cancer survivors," said Susan Mayne, PhD, Professor of Epidemiology and Public Health at Yale School of Medicine and Associate Director for Population Sciences at Yale Cancer Center.
The four proposals chosen for funding each investigate different aspects of cancer survivorship:
Melinda Irwin, PhD, Assistant Professor of Epidemiology and Public Health at Yale School of Medicine, has developed a research project looking at how exercise and improved nutrition can benefit cancer survivors. She will evaluate whether cancer survivors, randomized to the Connecticut Challenge Cancer Survivorship Clinic where they will receive nutrition and exercise counseling, experience favorable changes in quality of life compared to cancer survivors randomized to a 3-month delayed Survivorship Clinic group. This study will better define the specific needs of cancer survivors after treatment in regards to nutrition, exercise and overall quality of life.
Nina Kadan-Lottick, MD, Assistant Professor of Pediatric Oncology at Yale School of Medicine, and Director of the HERO’S Clinic for Survivors of Childhood Cancers, will examine the effects of a brief psychological treatment and internet-based support interventions for childhood cancer survivors and their families.
Sheila Santacroce, PhD, Associate Professor of Nursing at Yale University School of Nursing, will assess the return-to-work experience for ovarian cancer survivors by interviewing and observing a sample of women treated for ovarian cancer that are now returning to their jobs.
Dave Sells, PhD, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Yale School of Medicine, seeks to determine the ways in which one-to-one peer-based services improve the lives of both the service providers and the recipients during post-active cancer treatment. His research project aims to identify areas that are most adversely affected by the cancer experience for patients, and whether or not one-to-one peer providership is helpful in dealing with those issues.
“Pilot funding for research is so important, especially for new investigators and we are grateful to the Connecticut Challenge for their support. Providing funding for our junior faculty members to be able to channel their talents into survivorship research at this critical stage in their careers may set the stage for their future research efforts,” Mayne said.
“The concept of providing specialized care for cancer survivors is still relatively new and the Connecticut Challenge wants to help lead its promotion,” said Bob Mazzone, Connecticut Challenge Executive Director. “We are proud to support these Yale Cancer Center researchers and excited by the potential of their pilot projects to advance the field of cancer survivor healthcare.”
About the Connecticut Challenge
Founded in 2005 by cancer survivor, Jeff Keith, and close friend, John Ragland, the Connecticut Challenge is a non-profit organization that funds investigation into the effects of cancer and cancer treatments on survivors and provides credible information and resources to empower cancer survivors to lead healthier, happier and longer lives. The organization currently funds Connecticut’s only two cancer survivorship clinics, the Connecticut Challenge Adult Survivorship Clinic and the HERO’S Clinic for survivors of childhood cancers, both at Yale Cancer Center.
The CT Challenge raises its money through the annual Connecticut Challenge charity bike ride. Riders of all ages and skill levels can register for a 12, 25, 50 or 100-mile ride and raise funds from personal sponsors to support their efforts. The 2008 Connecticut Challenge ride will take place on Saturday, July 26th, starting and finishing in Fairfield, CT. To register to ride, volunteer or make a contribution to the 2008 event, please visit www.ctchallenge.org.
About Yale Cancer Center
Established in 1974, Yale Cancer Center was one of the first university-based comprehensive cancer centers designated by the National Cancer Institute. Today, it is one of a select network of only 39 in the United States, and the only one in southern New England.
The Center harnesses the scientific resources of Yale University School of Medicine, Yale-New Haven Hospital and Yale University. Led by Dr. Richard L. Edelson, a leader in cancer immunotherapy, Yale Cancer Center focuses on translational research, an approach through which laboratory discoveries are quickly and efficiently integrated with clinical patient care. For more information visit www.yalecancercenter.org.