Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center

The American Cancer Society has awarded Dr. Charles Basch of Columbia University, a $2.1 million grant for research promoting colon cancer screening in low income and minority populations.

“The grant awarded to Dr. Charles Basch reflects the best and brightest ideas in cancer research,” said Dee McCabe, Executive Vice President of the American Cancer Society, Metro New York. “The American Cancer Society’s Research and Training Program has invested over $3.3 billion in cancer research, much of it focusing on the work of promising new investigators, since its inception in 1946. During this time, we have funded 42 researchers, primarily early in their careers, who have gone on to receive the Nobel Prize. We fully expect that the ideas and innovations arising from these new grants will continue that legacy.”

With the support of the American Cancer Society, in 2009 researchers like Dr. Basch are focusing on new discoveries to help achieve the Society’s goal of eliminating cancer as a major health problem.

Research, including American Cancer Society’s recently released Colorectal Cancer Facts & Figures 2008-2010, clearly shows that the impact of colorectal cancer, the second leading cause of death among adults in the United States, could be drastically reduced through early detection and treatment.

Dr. Basch’s research will focus on how to better reach minority populations that currently have low screening rates and higher incidence of colon cancer. Specifically, Dr. Basch will evaluate the effectiveness of increasing colorectal screening on two fronts – one directed to individuals by telephone to provide education on colorectal cancer screening options. The other will focus on doctor directed outreach that educates physicians about low rates of screening and the need to motivate patients to be screened.

“I’m inspired to save lives,” said Dr. Basch. “My research will identify effective and practical strategies that can be used to increase rates of colorectal cancer screening in hard-to-reach, high-risk, urban minority populations. Most of the deaths caused by colorectal cancer can be prevented through early detection and treatment.”

The American Cancer Society has more than $7 million in grants currently in effect at Columbia University and has awarded Columbia nearly $30 million dollars in research grants over the past 25 years.

The Eastern Division is home to some of the most prestigious medical institutions in the world, and currently 104 research grants totaling over $57 million are in effect in New York and New Jersey. The Society’s research program began in 1946 with $1 million, and to date has invested more than $3.3 billion in cancer research. Last year alone, $126 million was invested in cancer research. For more information about cancer research or research at work right now in your community, visit Research Central.