Cancer Health Disparities Summit 2008: Register Now

Register now to attend this year's Summit 2008 "Eliminating Cancer Health Disparities Through Science, Training and Community," which will provide a venue for sharing scientific knowledge, encouraging junior investigators, and broadening community participation to help overcome cancer health disparities.
http://www.cancermeetings.org/CHDSummit08/index.cfm

Dr. Sanya Springfield Addresses the Complexities of Cancer Health Disparities on NCI's Toll-Free Teleconference Series

Featured speakers were Dr. Sanya Springfield, Director of NCI’s Center to Reduce Cancer Health Disparities; Mrs. Mattie Woods, Executive Director, Centers for Healthy Hearts and Souls; and Ms. Mary Jackson Scroggins, Co-Founder and President, In My Sister’s Care. A question and answer session for participants followed. Replay of the call will be available through July 11 by dialing toll-free 1-866-505-9249.
http://advocacy.cancer.gov/activities/teleconferences

Collaborating with Center for Cancer Research in CHD Research

CRCHD is pleased to announce a partnership with NCI's Center for Cancer Research to highlight current clinical research on cancer health disparities. The Laboratory of Human Carcinogenesis (LHC) within the Center for Cancer Research (CCR) uses an integrative biology and translational research strategy. LHC is pioneering studies in molecular epidemiology of cancer by investigating gene-environment interactions, cancer health disparities, and micoRNA and inflammatory cytokines as clinical biomarkers. Currently, LHC is investigating the role of microRNAs, ultraconserved RNAs, differences in tumor biology, and functional mannose-binding lection 2 polymorphisms in health disparities seen in lung, colon and prostate cancer between African Americans and European Americans. For more information, seehttp://ccr.cancer.gov/labs/lab.asp?labid=94

CRCHD featured on NIH Radio

Mrs. Belinda Locke, program director in the CRCHD Diversity Training Branch, recently encouraged African Americans to consider a career in cancer research in a recent NIH radio interview. See transcript and listen to the interview at:http://www.nih.gov/news/radio/may2008/20080516AANCIrecruitment.htm

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From NCI

Spotlight on Dr. Tiffany Wallace from Center for Cancer Research

Dr. Tiffany Wallace, postdoctoral fellow in the NCI Laboratory of Human Carcinogenesis, garnered substantial attention at the recent AACR annual meeting for her groundbreaking research on the immunobiological differences in prostate cancer tumors in African American men and European American men. She found significant differences in the expression of numerous genes associated with tumor aggressiveness between these two populations, suggesting that pathogens could be involved in race/ethnic differences that lead to the development of these tumors. Her research, recently published in Cancer Research, highlights some of the exciting work currently being conducted at NCI dealing with the science of health disparities.
NIH PodcastAACR Press Release

Drug Combination Cuts Risk of Advanced Colon Polyps

Low doses of two chemopreventive agents, an anti-inflammatory and an experimental compound, found to be highly effective at preventing the recurrence of the lesions that are often precursors to colorectal cancer.
http://www.cancer.gov/ncicancerbulletin/NCI_Cancer_Bulletin_041508.pdf

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From NIH

National Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NCMHD) Sponsored - NIH Wide Health Disparities Conference

NCMHD will sponsor a Summit in December to highlight NIH accomplishments and plans in the areas of minority health and health disparities and will provide an opportunity for young investigators, health disparities researchers, and NIH staff to interact.
http://ncmhd.nih.gov/

Researchers Identify Genetic Variant Linked to Nicotine Addiction and Lung Cancer

Scientists at the National Institute for Drug Abuse (NIDA) identified a genetic variant that not only makes smokers more susceptible to nicotine addiction, but also increases their risk of developing two smoking-related diseases, lung cancer and peripheral arterial disease.
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v452/n7187/full/nature06846.html

Scientists Form International Cancer Genome Consortium

Research organizations from around the world announced the launching of the International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC), a collaboration designed to generate high-quality genomic data on up to 50 types of cancer.
http://www.nih.gov/news/health/apr2008/nhgri-29.htm

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Other Federal Agencies

Treating Tobacco Use and Dependence: 2008 Update Clinical Practice Guideline

This Guideline updates the 2000 Clinical Practice Guideline and contains strategies and recommendations in delivering and supporting effective treatments for tobacco use and dependence.
http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/tobacco/treating_tobacco_use08.pdf

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NCI Grantee Spotlights

Dr. Elmer Huerta Encourages Latina Women to See the Doctor Regularly

Dr. Elmer Huerta, PI of the Community Networks Program and an educational leader in the Hispanic community, encourages Latina women to see a doctor regularly and get yearly mammograms and pap tests through many television and radio segments.http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article

Dr. Shin-Ping Tu Featured on Cancer Control PLANET Website

Dr. Shin-Ping Tu, a Community Networks Program AANCART Grantee, successfully promotes a clinic-based educational program aimed at encouraging colorectal screening among lower-income and less-acculturated Chinese Americans which has shown to have a significant impact on screening rates.
http://rtips.cancer.gov/rtips/rtips_search.do?topic

Dr. Moon Chen Promotes Hepatitis Awareness Month in the Asian American Community

Dr. Moon Chen, professor of epidemiology and principal investigator of the Liver Cancer Control Interventions for Asian Americans at the University of California Davis Cancer Center and a PI of Community Networks Program AANCART, is working to raise public awareness, promote prevention and increase screening for Hepatitis B especially within the Asian and Pacific Islander communities.
http://www.omhrc.gov/npa/templates/content.aspx

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Enhancing Practice

Disparities Exist in Rectal Cancer Treatments

Black patients with rectal cancer are considerably less likely than white patients to receive adjuvant therapy and continue to have considerably worse prognosis than white patients.
http://jnci.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/reprint/djn145v1

Cancer Disparities in Indigenous Polynesian Populations: Maori, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific People

A systematic review of the current state of cancer disparities in the Polynesian countries included patterns of incidence, mortality, and survival in indigenous populations.
http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanonc/article/PIIS147020450870127X/abstract

Improving the Medicare Part D Program for the Most Vulnerable Beneficiaries

A report on the Medicare prescription drug coverage program, Part D, and how it affects elderly populations finds that legislative authority is needed to accomplish changes to the program, such as eliminating or amending the resource test, changing the rules for individuals needing long-term care services, and ensuring that funds for counseling are appropriately available.
http://www.commonwealthfund.org/publications/publications_show.htm

Costs of Cancer Care Estimated for Elderly Patients

Costs of cancer care for elderly patients on Medicare are substantial and vary by tumor site, phase of care, stage at diagnosis and survival.
http://jnci.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/reprint/100/9/630

Gene Signatures Enhance Breast Cancer Risk Estimates

Combining gene signatures for breast cancer with clinical factors such as patient age and tumor size can improve predictions about the risk of recurrence in women with early-stage disease.
http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/reprint/299/13/1574

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Select Disparities News Stories

Study finds Racial Disparities in Smoking Cessation

Researchers at the American Cancer Society found that black and Hispanic smokers are less likely than whites to receive and use smoking cessation advice and aids.
http://www.newsrx.com/articles/963411.html

Breast Cancer Tends to Grow Faster in Younger Women

While the rate at which breast cancer tumors grow varies among patients, that growth tends to be faster among younger women.
http://www.forbes.com/forbeslife/health/feeds/hscout/2008/05/08/hscout615301.html

Cervical Cancer Could Double by 2030 Where Screening and Vaccine Are Lacking

Cervical cancer, a detectable and preventable cancer, is increasing in Latin American and Caribbean countries and the rates could double if proper screening and vaccinations are not conducted.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/20/health/research/20glob.html

Vitamin D May Benefit Breast Cancer Patients

Breast cancer patients with low levels of vitamin D were much more likely to die of the disease or have it spread than patients getting enough of the nutrient.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24654464

The Gap in Graduation Rates

Graduation rates between African Americans and Caucasian vary greatly at many colleges and universities across the US with some of the largest gaps found at smaller private institutions.
http://www.usnews.com/articles/education/2008/05/02/the-gap-in-graduation-rates.html

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Funding

Minority-Based Community Clinical Oncology (MB-CCOP) Program (U10)

The NCI Division of Cancer Prevention (DCP), announces the continuation of the Minority-Based Community Clinical Oncology Program aimed at increasing the participation of minority populations in the NCI-sponsored clinical trials.
RFA-CA-08-016

Community Clinical Oncology Program (CCOP) (U10)

This funding opportunity announcement (FOA) solicits applications for the NCI-supported Community Clinical Oncology Program (CCOP) Network aimed at developing and conducting state-of-the-art cancer prevention, control, and treatment clinical trials with significant involvement of community oncologists and populations they serve. RFA-CA-08-015

Susan G. Komen's Career Catalyst in Disparities Research (CCDR)

CCDR provides a unique opportunity for scientists in the early stages of their career, particularly scientists from populations affected by disparities in breast cancer outcomes, to achieve research independence. Pre-Applications due - July 3, 2008, 8 pm, est. Full Applications due - August 22, 2008, 8 pm est.http://cms.komen.org/komen/GrantsProgram/index.htm

Susan G. Komen's Post-Baccalaureate Training in Disparities Research (PBT-DR)

PBT-DR provides individual support of $45,000 annually for 3 years for up to three trainees to empower students with the analytical, research, scientific, clinical, and public health skills necessary to effectively explore the basis for differences in breast cancer outcomes and to translate research discoveries into clinical and public health practice to eliminate breast cancer disparities. Pre-Applications due - July 3, 2008, 8 pm, est. Full Applications due - August 22, 2008, 8 pm est.http://cms.komen.org/komen/GrantsProgram/index.htm

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Training and Employment Opportunities

Innovation Acceleration Partnership Fellowships

Washington University in Saint Louis, in conjunction with the University of Missouri, the Center for Emerging Technologies, and Innovate Saint Louis, are offering positions in one in a unique program that is ideal for researchers who want to experience all aspects of commercialization within an academic/industry partnership environment.
http://www.sc.wustl.edu/files/Flyer_InnovationAccelerationPartnershipFellows.pdf

Program Director, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) is seeking an outstanding scientist to serve as the first Director of the Cancer Stem Cell and Developmental Biology Program in the Center for Cancer Research (CCR). Applications must be postmarked or received by email at hooperl@mail.nih.gov by May 30, 2008. For more information visit
http://ccr.cancer.gov/default.asp

Investigator, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute

The Neuro-Oncology Branch (NOB) of the National Cancer Institute is calling for applications for a Tenure-Track/Tenure-Eligible Investigator. Applications should be postmarked by July 11, 2008 to: Dr. Kevin Camphausen, Chair c/o Karen Abraham Neuro-Oncology Branch Search Committee Bloch Building, MSC 8200, Room 237 9030 Old Georgetown Road Bethesda, MD 20892.

Professor, University of Alabama Birmingham (UAB) - Deep South Network for Cancer Control

The Institute for Health Promotion Research seeks a tenure-track assistant or associate professor within the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics. Contact Dr. Amelie Ramirez at ramirezag@uthscsa.edu for more information.

Research Associate, University of Alabama

The UAB Division of Preventive Medicine seeks applications for two positions at the rank of Associate or Full Professor in Behavioral Science. Candidates with expertise in lifestyle change interventions, particularly as it relates to cancer prevention and control (e.g., physical activity, nutrition, smoking) are encouraged to apply. The successful candidate will be expected to provide leadership to develop and implement a research program in developing lifestyle changes and to contribute to programmatic excellence in the Division of Preventive Medicine (DOPM) and the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC). Send CV with names and addresses of at least three references to: Isabel C. Scarinci, PhD, MPH, Search Committee Chair, Division of Preventive Medicine, Medical Towers 621, 1717 11th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35205, scarinci@uab.edu

Teaching Positions, Howard University

Positions are available within the Biology Department at Howard University for enthusiastic individuals interested in teaching undergraduate students. Please contact Dr. Franklin Ampy, directly at (202) 806-6933 or fampy@howard.edu

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Cancer Health Disparities Summit 2008

July 14 - 16, 2008
Bethesda North Marriot Hotel and Conference Center
Rockville, Maryland
Registration Deadline: June 20
http://www.cancermeetings.org/chdsummit08/callForAbstracts.cfm

The Asian American, Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander Cancer Survivorship Conference: Dispelling Myths, Reducing Disparities, and Providing Hope

July 22 - 24, 2008
Sheraton Gateway Hotel
San Francisco, California
Registration Deadline: July 1
www.apiahf.org

National Latino Cancer Summit

July 30 - August 1, 2008
UCSF- Conference Center at Mission Bay
San Francisco, California
Registration Deadline: July 10
https://register03.exgenex.com/gcmmaintenance/lcc/html_files/hotel.html

20th Annual Native Health Research Conference

August 25 - 28, 2008
Red Lion Hotel on the River Jantzen Beach
Portland, Oregon
http://www.npaihb.org/epicenter/2008_national_native_american_research_conference_on_health

APHA Annual Meeting: Public Health Without Borders

October 15 - 29, 2008
San Diego Convention Center
San Diego, California
Registration Deadline: September 22
http://www.apha.org/meetings/highlights/

AACE & CPEN Annual Meeting

October 2 - 22 , 2008
Sheraton Sand Key Resort
Clearwater, Florida
Registration Deadline: September 18
www.aaceonline.com

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