WASHINGTON -- March 4, 2015 -- Following is a statement from Chris Hansen, president of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), in response to the announcement that Harold Varmus, M.D., willæstepædown as director of the National Cancer Institute (NCI):
Dr. Varmus achieved major accomplishments during nearly five years at the helm of NCI, despite the enormously challenging budget environment. He initiated the creation of two new centers within NCI, one focusing on global health and another on cancer genomics, that address critical areas in the fight against cancer. He significantly improved the efficiency and breadth of the National Clinical Trials Network and the Community Oncology Research Program to ensureæthat NCI's clinical trials programs reflect new approaches to cancer treatment. He also spearheaded the innovative Provocative Questions Initiative to identify potentially promising approaches to cancer research.
Dr. Varmus demonstrated exemplary leadership and vision in the constant pursuit of new and more effective ways to prevent, detect, treat and survive cancer, a disease that will kill an estimated 590,000 people in America this year -- or one person every minute. On behalf of millions of people in this country and around the world who have battled cancer or supported a loved one in their fight, ACS CAN thanks Dr. Varmus for his unshakable commitment to public service and his unwavering leadership of the National Cancer Institute.
ACS CAN, the nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate of the American Cancer Society, supports evidence-based policy and legislative solutions designed to eliminate cancer as a major health problem.æ ACS CAN works to encourage elected officials and candidates to make cancer a top national priority. ACS CAN gives ordinary people extraordinary power to fight cancer with the training and tools they need to make their voices heard. For more information, visit www.fightcancer.org.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Steven Weiss or Alissa Crispino
American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network
202-607-0911 or 240-498-7233
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