The Lance Armstrong Foundation recently awarded three grants totaling more than $1 million to OHSU to benefit cancer research and survivorship programs.
The OHSU Cancer Institute received a two-year grant of $543,808 to establish an Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) oncology program. The mission of the program – which will be one of a few of this kind in the nation – is to develop and disseminate more effective methods to diagnose, treat, follow and care for young adults aged 15 to 40 diagnosed with cancer.
“Young adults with cancer have unique needs often not encompassed by traditional pediatric and adult oncology practices,” said Brandon Hayes-Lattin, M.D., medical director for the AYA Program. “These needs range from accessing quality cancer treatment, to addressing fertility concerns, to managing complex psychosocial situations with caregivers, parents, peers, children, school and work.”
Hayes-Lattin said the program’s goals are to bolster contributions to national research and advocacy efforts for AYA oncology and to accelerate the pace of improvement in young adults’ survival odds.
The Lance Armstrong Foundation also awarded a $247,144 three-year grant to Jeri S. Janowsky, Ph.D., professor of behavorial neuroscience and neurology, for a study on prostate cancer treatment and neuro-cognitive impact on survivorship. Kerri M. Winters, Ph.D., assistant professor and associate scientist in the School of Nursing, received a $245,296 three-year grant for a randomized trial study examining POWIR (Promote Optimum Health with Impact and Resistance Exercise) exercise during treatment for prostate cancer.
AFLAC Honor
Brandon Hayes-Lattin, M.D., recently received one of two AFLAC Young Investigator Awards in Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology. AFLAC has developed these awards to help medical professionals develop skills in AYA oncology in order to meet the needs of AYA cancer patients and to promote the developing discipline. Hayes-Lattin’s goals include developing a formal curriculum for training in AYA Oncology.
National LIVESTRONG Day
"It's time for our nation to address our issues. Together, we can help change things for the better. As a team, we can make a difference for survivors."
-Lance Armstrong
On Wednesday, May 17, thousands of people will take part in LIVESTRONG Day events across the country to raise awareness of and bring attention to an issue that impacts all Americans – cancer. For more information about how you can get involved in LIVESTRONG Day activities, visit the OHSU Cancer Institute at www.ohsucancer.com.
