February is National Cancer Prevention Month
National Cancer Prevention Month aims to increase awareness of cancer prevention methods and ways to minimize the risk of developing the disease. There are many factors that can lead to cancer, and not all of them are fully understood. However, through major advancements in cancer research, we’re developing a better understanding of the factors that can increase (or decrease) your likelihood of getting cancer, such as heredity and lifestyle choices.
Recent prevention studies at Roswell Park
At any given time, there are a number of research studies underway at Roswell Park that aim to improve our understanding of what causes cancer and how to prevent it. In fact, just this week Roswell Park shared findings from a study led by Kirsten Moysich, PhD, MS, Distinguished Professor of Oncology in the Department of Cancer Prevention and Control that suggests that living a sedentary lifestyle poses a significant risk for certain cancers. Two research teams led by Dr. Moysich have identified a direct association between physical inactivity and two different types of cancer: lung cancer and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.
“The link between physical inactivity and cancer was consistently found in both men and women, normal-weight and overweight individuals, and among both smokers and nonsmokers,” says Dr. Moysich.
And The Ride helped her teams come to these discoveries: the study was supported in part by donations to Roswell Park. Learn more about the study.
Funding is needed for new research ideas
Donations are vital to Roswell Park’s ability to launch new studies in cancer prevention. Twice a year, Roswell Park’s researchers compete for seed funding from the Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC), an objective group of scientists and clinicians. The SAC reviews their proposals and awards grants to the most promising research ideas. These SAC grants, which come entirely from donations to Roswell Park, allows researchers can obtain the pilot data they need to apply for national grant funding.
Between April 2016 and March 2017, 28 research projects received a total of $1.3 million in SAC grants. Read the Roswell Park Alliance Foundation’s most recent annual report to learn more.
Your participation matters
For every $1 raised through The Ride For Roswell, Roswell Park can leverage an added $13 in national grant funding for new research projects. Your efforts also enable Roswell Park to provide a full range of patient-care programs that ease the cancer journey for patients and their families. Together, we are making a difference.
Join us on June 23, 2018, as we continue our mission to end cancer. Register to ride or donate to a rider today.
