Columbia University Researcher Named Professor Of Breast Cancer Research, Thanks To Gift From Avon Foundation
New York, NY- January 2003 – Dr. Ramon E. Parsons, an internationally renowned breast cancer researcher at Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons (P&S), has been named Avon Foundation Associate Professor of Breast Cancer Research in the Departments of Pathology and Medicine.
“The Avon Foundation has long demonstrated its commitment to breast cancer research, education, treatment, and care at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center,” says Dr. Gerald Fischbach, executive vice president for health and biomedical sciences and dean of the health sciences and faculty of medicine. “We’re proud to continue this vital partnership.”
“I join with my colleague Dr. Fischbach in applauding Avon for their continued outstanding commitment to research in breast cancer and women’s health initiatives,” says Dr. Herbert Pardes, president and CEO of NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital . “This gift in support of Dr. Parson’s research is yet another major step forward in the fight against breast cancer.”
In March 2000, the Avon Foundation selected the Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center of the Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center as one of five leading cancer centers in the country to receive $2.2 million each. In October 2000 the foundation continued its support with a $10 million gift to Columbia University and the NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. Of that amount, $1.5 million is earmarked for Dr. Parsons’ professorship.
“We are delighted to lead this incredible effort with Avon,” says Dr. Karen Antman, director of The Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center and Wu Professor of Medicine at the College of Physicians & Surgeons. “Dr. Parsons’ talent and contributions to the field of breast cancer research make him an ideal fit for this professorship.”
Dr. Parsons has served as associate professor of pathology and medicine at P&S since 1995. His research centers on exploring the pathogenesis of breast and brain cancer. His aim is to identify the genetic changes that lead a normal cell to develop into an advanced tumor. The genes targeted by these changes then will be analyzed to determine their normal function. Dr. Parsons and his research team already have identified a tumor suppressor gene, PTEN, which mutates in breast, brain, prostate, and endometrial cancer.
“I’m honored to assume this professorship,” Dr. Parsons says. “It will be a great challenge and opportunity to continue to focus my work in one of the most common forms of human cancer, and the second leading cause of cancer death in women.”
“When we began the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade in the United States in 1993, we focused on funding breast cancer early detection and awareness programs,” says Kathleen Walas, president, Avon Foundation. “In 2000 when we were able to significantly expand our philanthropy to support research, clinical care, education and support services, we were eager to team with Columbia University and Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center since we knew they shared our passion for and sense of urgency in engaging in research that aims to eradicate this devastating disease.”
About the Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center
The Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center aims to promote interactions that lead to new approaches to cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment. Physicians and scientists at the center conduct numerous clinical research studies to find better ways to treat and prevent cancer and help patients receive the best care modern science has to offer. Construction of a new building, the Irving Cancer Research Center, is nearing completion and will be part of Columbia's Audubon Biomedical Science and Technology Park. The facility will double Columbia University’s laboratory space for cancer research. For more information on the Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, visit www.ccc.columbia.edu.
About the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade
The Avon Breast Cancer Crusade was launched in the United Kingdom in 1992 to support access to care and find a cure for breast cancer, with a focus on reaching medically underserved women – low-income, minorities, the elderly, and under- and uninsured women. In 1993, the effort expanded to the United States and now supports programs to raise funds and awareness for breast cancer and related women’s health issues in 50 countries around the globe. Funding is awarded to five vital areas of the breast cancer cause: medical research; clinical care; support services; education and advocacy training; and community-based, non-profit early detection breast health programs. Funds raised by the Avon Crusade in the United States are managed and disbursed by the Avon Foundation, an accredited 501(c)(3) public charity. In October 2002, the Avon Crusade reached its 10-year goal of $250 million net in total funds raised for the breast cancer cause. For information on the Avon Foundation, visit www.avonfoundation.org. For information on the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade in the United States, visit www.avoncrusade.com.
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