Support and Coping with Cancer   /   Survivorship

The Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania Receives Two-Year $500,000 Grant From Lance Armstrong Foundation to Establish Cancer Survivorship Program

The Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania

PHILADELPHIA, PA ­ The The Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania today announced receiving a two-year $500,000 grant from the Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF). The grant will be used to develop a new model of care for long-term survivors of cancer.

The goal of the The Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania survivorship program, called Living Well After Cancer, is to help reduce the physical and emotional impact of cancer and its treatment on survivors and to help survivors find ways to maximize their quality of life. The program will integrate clinical care, research and education in an innovative approach to meeting the needs of the growing population of cancer survivors.

"Thanks to major treatment advances, more cancer patients are surviving than ever before," explained John H. Glick, MD, director of the The Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania. "The funds awarded by the Lance Armstrong Foundation will enable us to establish a cancer survivorship program that will serve as a model for the nation."

The LAF shares the Cancer Center's vision. "The mission of the Lance Armstrong Foundation is to help people manage and survive cancer," said Howard Chalmers, president and CEO of the Lance Armstrong Foundation. "Our goals are to reduce the presence of cancer on this planet, continue to define, refine and improve cancer survivor services and facilitate the delivery of those services ­ along with a large dose of hope ­ to patients and their families and loved ones." Since its inception, the LAF has approved more than $2.5 million in grants.

Living Well After Cancer will focus initially on programs for survivors of breast cancer and testicular cancer, two types of cancer that have high rates of survival.

"Breast cancer survivors are the largest component of the cancer survivorship community," said breast medical oncologist Angela DeMichele, MD, who will direct the clinical and research aspects of Living Well After Cancer's breast cancer component. "Preserving a woman's quality of life after breast cancer requires physical, social and psychological resources and support. Living Well After Cancer will bring together the medical and psychosocial resources breast cancer survivors need in order to develop new ways to live healthy, rewarding lives."

"Testicular cancer is the most common solid tumor among males ages 15-35 and one of the most curable of all cancers," stated David J. Vaughn, MD, a medical oncologist who will direct the clinical and research aspects of Living Well After Cancer's testicular cancer program. "Few studies have been done on the psychosocial impact of testis cancer on survivors. Living Well After Cancer will help answer some of the questions that can help improve survivors' quality of life ­ physically and emotionally."

Anna Meadows, MD, former director of the National Cancer Institute's Survivorship Program, now directs the The Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania's Survivorship Research Program and provides senior leadership to Living Well After Cancer. "There is a significant need to build a nationally recognized, scientifically-based effort to develop and test interventions designed to improve the quality of life of cancer survivors and to address the long-term medical effects of cancer and its treatment," emphasized Meadows.

The The Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania research studies aim to increase the length of survival for cancer patients, prevent further disease and disability, as well as study clinical, psychological and social interventions and the economic effects of cancer. Patients in the program will benefit from the results of this ongoing research immediately.

"Our partnership with the Lance Armstrong Foundation will not only improve the quality of care and enhance the quality of life for survivors of breast and testicular cancer," said Dr. Glick, "but help them awaken the same spirit of hope that Lance Armstrong embraced in his own battle with cancer."

About the The Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania

Throughout its history, the The Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania has been continuously recognized regionally and nationally for its contributions to patient care, research, professional education, and patient and community outreach. The Cancer Center is one of only 37 Comprehensive Cancer Centers approved and designated by the National Cancer Institute. It was among the first cancer centers to receive this prestigious designation, and has maintained this status continuously for twenty years. For more information about survivorship, specific types of cancer, research advances, cancer treatment, and clinical trials.

About the Lance Armstrong Foundation

The Lance Armstrong Foundation exists to help people manage and survive cancer. Founded in 1997 by cancer survivor and champion cyclist Lance Armstrong, the Foundation focuses its activities in four primary areas: public education and awareness, survivor services and support, groundbreaking survivorship programs, and medical and scientific research grants. Providing information, services, and support, the LAF strives to help all cancer patients through the challenging and difficult phases of diagnosis and treatment, encouraging each to adopt the same attitude that Lance Armstrong adopted in his own battle with cancer: "I am a survivor, not a victim."

For more information about the Lance Armstrong Foundation, visit the Foundation's web site at http://www.LAF.org or call the organization at 512-236-8820.

For Media Inquiries Only:

Olivia Fermano 215-349-5653 olivia.fermano@uphs.upenn.edu Bianca Rodriguez 512-236-8820 bianca@LAF.org