The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation for the Cure Names 2007 Professor of Survivorship Awardees
WASHINGTON, Aug. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the world's largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists committed to ending breast cancer forever, has named the 2007 Professor of Survivorship awardees. The recipients were announced during the organization's 10th annual mission conference, Ignite the Promise, held Aug. 26-28 in Washington, D.C. The Professor of Survivorship Awards are given annually to individuals who have made significant contributions in the field of breast cancer survivorship.
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The 2007 Komen Professor of Survivorship awardees are Sonja Eva Singletary, M.D., professor of surgical oncology from The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center and Amelie G. Ramirez, Dr.P.H., professor of epidemiology and biostatistics from The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. Each recipient receives $25,000 for use in advancing their work related to breast cancer survivorship. The term of the professorships lasts one year.
In announcing the awards, Eric Winer, M.D., Susan G. Komen for the Cure chief scientific advisor said, "As a clinician, Dr. Singletary has made great strides toward excellence in breast cancer surgery and treatment of patients from a multidisciplinary approach. In research, Dr. Ramirez has directed several projects involving Latino populations on such issues as breast cancer genetics and risk factors. Both women are passionate about survivorship and prevention and most certainly deserve this honor."
In addition to her roles at The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Dr. Singletary serves as chairwoman of the American Joint Committee on Breast Cancer Task Force, which is credited with revisions to the staging system for breast cancer. She is also the 2004-2005 president of the Society of Surgical Oncology. In 1992-1994 she served on the President's Cancer Panel, the Special Commission on Breast Cancer, under President George Bush.
Dr. Ramirez is recognized for her work with Latina women and families affected by breast cancer, with significant contributions to quality of life and survivorship. Her work and research have resulted in nearly $10 million in funding from Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Pfizer, Inc. Since 2002, Ramirez has chaired Komen's National Hispanic/Latina Advisory Committee. She also is the chair of the CDC's Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection and Control Advisory Committee. Her numerous appointments to national and state boards include a presidential appointment to the National Cancer Advisory Board of the National Cancer Institute.
Komen's Professor of Survivorship Award was established in 1999 in recognition of the concerns survivors face after completion of breast cancer treatment. Survivor issues can include anxiety related to the possibility of disease recurrence, concerns about reproductive capabilities among younger survivors, employment and insurability concerns, cognitive challenges, body
image and intimacy concerns and questions about the long-term effects of breast cancer treatment.
A specially appointed committee of past awardees, peers and advocates select subsequent Komen Professor of Survivorship awardees based on nomination criteria.
About Susan G. Komen for the Cure
Nancy G. Brinker promised her dying sister, Susan G. Komen, she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever. In 1982, that promise became Susan G. Komen for the Cure and launched the global breast cancer movement. Today, Komen for the Cure is the world's largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists fighting to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures. Thanks to events like the Komen Race for the Cure, we have invested nearly $1 billion to fulfill our promise, becoming the largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer in the world. For more information about Susan G. Komen for the Cure, breast health or breast cancer, visit http://www.komen.org or call 1-800 I'M AWARE.
Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070122/NYM084LOGOPRN Photo Desk photodesk@prnewswire.comSusan G. Komen for the CureCONTACT: Sharon Roberts of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, +1-214-732-5925,sroberts@komen.org; or Ann Jane Cox of Weber Shandwick Worldwide,+1-972-837-3043, ajcox@webershandwick.com, for Susan G. Komen for the Cure
Web site: http://www.komen.org/