The Conquer Cancer Foundation Grants and Awards Program has grown tremendously in 30 years, from supporting just one researcher in the United States to thousands working around the world. These investigators are performing breakthrough research in all aspects of cancer and making discoveries that impact the quality of care of patients on every continent. In addition, the Foundation’s investment in these clinician scientists is further multiplied as they mentor and pass their valuable knowledge on to the bright young researchers who will become the future generation of oncologists.
Addressing the Global Cancer Burden
Many Foundation grant and award opportunities are open to international applicants, and in 30 years we have broadened our focus and cadre of funding opportunities to include programs that help address the growing global cancer burden, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, which often lack the resources needed to adequately serve people with cancer.
Two programs have previously been designed specifically with this population in mind. Through the International Development and Education Awards, the Foundation helps develop future oncology leaders in low- and middle-income countries by pairing recipients with ASCO member mentors who are experts in their field. The Long-term International Fellowship provides early-career oncologists from developing countries with resources to advance their training at a U.S. or Canadian institution with an ASCO member mentor through a 1-year medical fellowship, after which the recipient returns home and disseminates the knowledge gained during the experience.
New International Innovation Grant
This year, a third opportunity is being launched: the International Innovation Grant. This grant provides research funding in support of novel and innovative projects that can have a significant impact on cancer control in low- and middle-income countries. It will support project proposals that have the potential to reduce the cancer burden in local communities, while also being potentially transferrable to other low- or middle-income settings. The novel approaches and clinical designs proposed for this International Innovation Grant will likely differ from what would be considered standard practice in high-income settings.
This year, as we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Foundation’s Grants and Awards Program, it is not without the knowledge that the growth of this program and extension of its impact from local to global simply would not have been possible without the support of our generous donors. Please help us continue to advance progress in all parts of the world by making a gift at www.conquercancerfoundation.org/donate. Together, we can make a global difference. ■
© 2013. American Society of Clinical Oncology. All rights reserved.
