Yale Cancer Center and the Connecticut Challenge recently announced $125,000 in pilot funding to support cancer survivorship research at Yale.
The funding will support four cancer researchers conducting innovative studies into the health-related issues and emotional concerns of cancer survivors. The data gathered from these four projects is expected 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, professor of epidemiology and public health at Yale School of Public Health and associate director for Population Sciences at Yale Cancer Center.
The four researchers and proposals chosen for funding include:
Melinda Irwin, assistant professor of epidemiology and public health at Yale School of Public Health has developed a research project looking at how exercise and improved nutrition can benefit cancer survivors. Irwin 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 who did not participate in the Survivorship Clinic until three months later. 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, M.D., 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 brief psychological treatment and Internet-based support interventions for childhood cancer survivors and their families.
Sheila Santacroce, 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 who are now returning to their jobs.
Dave Sells, assistant professor of psychiatry at Yale School of Medicine, is exploring 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 to determine 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,” Mayne said. “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.”
According to Bob Mazzone, Connecticut Challenge executive director, “The concept of providing specialized care for cancer survivors is still relatively new and the Connecticut Challenge wants to help lead its promotion. We are proud to support these Yale Cancer Center researchers and are excited by the potential of their pilot projects to advance the field of cancer survivor healthcare.”
The Connecticut Challenge was founded in 2005 by cancer survivor Jeff Keith and his 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 Connecticut 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 July 26, starting and finishing in Fairfield. To register to ride, volunteer, or to make a contribution to the 2008 event, please visit the Connecticut Challenge web site.
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 School of Medicine, Yale-New Haven Hospital and Yale University. Led by Richard Edelson, M.D., 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.
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