KU Connection - November 2007 - KU honors cancer survivors during football game

KU honors cancer survivors during football game

Cancer survivors attending the KU-Baylor football game Oct. 13 at Memorial Stadium were recognized as part of a “KU Fights Cancer” day, sponsored by AT&T.

KU Fights Cancer day highlighted KU’s goal of achieving National Cancer Institute designation, which would give Kansans access to cutting-edge clinical trials and cancer care that patients currently have to travel out of state to receive.

“Too many Kansans and their families have been confronted by cancer and have faced the frightening realities that accompany it,” said Chancellor Robert Hemenway. “This is why we are committed to creating a world-class cancer center and have made obtaining the National Cancer Institute’s designation here in Kansas our No. 1 priority.”

Hemenway and Roy Jensen, director of the KU Cancer Center, discussed this goal during a halftime interview on the Jayhawk Radio Network. Concession beverage cups featured a KU Fights Cancer logo.

Achieving NCI designation is the highest achievement in academic cancer research and care. The KU Cancer Center has created a community-based outreach alliance to push clinical trials and advancements in cancer care out into communities across the state. Researchers in KU’s nationally known School of Pharmacy and Drug Development Programs will work with regional partners to turn oncology drug discoveries into therapies for patients.

“Obtaining the National Cancer Institute’s designation will allow Kansans and everyone throughout the region to have access to the latest advancements in cancer care, including clinical trials that are not available to non-designated centers,” Jensen said. “No one should have to travel outside of Kansas to obtain cutting-edge cancer care.”

KU is seeking NCI designation by 2010.