CONTACT: 
Lindsay Emple
571-483-1364
lindsay.emple@asco.org

ALEXANDRIA, Va.—Today, the application period opens for the largest grant in the history of The ASCO Cancer Foundation®. The Improving Cancer Care Grant, funded by Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, will fund up to three research grants, each totaling $1.35 million, for research studies that implement and evaluate new ways to solve major problems in quality of, access to, and delivery of cancer care.

The inaugural Improving Cancer Care Grant recipients will be announced in spring 2010, at which time the awardees will receive $450,000 per year for three years. Grant proposals, which should have general applicability to breast cancer care, must be focused on developing solutions to current problems, not just describing disparities in care that currently exist.

"Progress in cancer research is meaningless when patients don't have access to the latest scientific discoveries," said Joseph S. Bailes, MD, chair of The ASCO Cancer Foundation Board of Directors. "The Improving Cancer Care Grant offers researchers the opportunity to go beyond discussing and analyzing current problems and begin developing real solutions that will increase patient access to quality cancer care."

Potential areas of study include, but are not limited to:

• Increasing access to and delivery of care for individuals who face geographical and/or economic barriers.
• Implementing programs to address workforce shortages.
• Addressing survivorship care.
• Overcoming disparities in clinical trial enrollment.
• Increasing "health literacy" so that underserved populations seek out health care more frequently and are able to be diagnosed at earlier disease stages.

"Of course the ultimate goal of finding breast cancer cures and ridding the world of it remains paramount," said Hala Moddelmog, Komen's president and CEO. "But until that day arrives, we have to do everything in our power to provide the best care possible to anyone who needs it. This Improving Cancer Care Grant is a serious attempt at solving the issues of delivery, quality and access."

Visit The ASCO Cancer Foundation Web site for more information on the Improving Cancer Care Grant, including the eligibility criteria and application deadlines. 

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About ASCO
The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) is the world's leading professional organization representing physicians who care for people with cancer. With more than 27,000 members, ASCO is committed to improving cancer care through scientific meetings, educational programs and peer-reviewed journals. For ASCO information and resources, visit www.asco.org/presscenter. Patient-oriented cancer information is available at www.cancer.net.

About The ASCO Cancer Foundation
The ASCO Cancer Foundation funds research and education programs both in the U.S. and abroad. By harnessing the knowledge of more than 27,000 oncology professionals in the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), we help deliver physician-approved information directly to those in need. Through these efforts, we improve the lives of those affected by cancer.

About Susan G. Komen for the Cure®
Nancy G. Brinker promised her dying sister, Susan G. Komen, she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever. In 1982, that promise became Susan G. Komen for the Cure, which is now the world’s largest breast cancer organization and the largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer with more than $1.3 billion invested to date. For more information about Susan G. Komen for the Cure, breast health or breast cancer, visit www.komen.org or call 1-877 GO KOMEN.