Research Award to Improve Outcomes for Cancer
CANCER CARE N.S.--Research Award to Improve Outcomes for Cancer Patients
Cancer Care Nova Scotia today, May 17, announced the establishment of a research award, which will help build an expert team in cancer health services research -- ultimately improving outcomes for cancer patients.
The Peggy Davison Cancer Research Scientist Award will provide $600,000 in funding -- $100,000 in each of the next six years -- to Dr. Eva Grunfeld, a professor of medicine and national leader in cancer health services research. Dr. Grunfeld will research ways to improve cancer outcomes by analyzing and changing how cancer care is delivered.
"Our strong and growing cancer research community contributes to knowledge development, quality of care and economic growth," said Dr. Andrew Padmos, commissioner, Cancer Care Nova Scotia. "This is a win, not only for the health system, but also for the economy. Knowledge gained through research means new treatments, better access to existing treatment, earlier diagnosis and more. It means that we can attract and retain the best and brightest specialists and scientists."
"Dr. Grunfeld is one of those scientists. Through the Peggy Davison Award, Dr. Grunfeld and her team will study the organization of cancer services in communities throughout Nova Scotia -- ensuring they are more accessible, more efficient and of the highest quality possible."
Research on follow-up care in breast cancer patients is one of Dr. Grunfeld's current areas of interest. Her study, following breast cancer patients post-treatment, examined whether women who received follow-up care from their family physician had different outcomes than those who received follow-up from a cancer specialist. Results of this study will be published this month.
The announcement of the award was made at a news conference and luncheon at the Victoria General Hospital site of the QEII Health Sciences Centre.
"I would like to congratulate Cancer Care Nova Scotia for recognizing a need for this type of research in Nova Scotia and for creating this award," said Finance Minister Peter Christie on behalf of Health Minister Angus MacIsaac. "An investment in health research is an investment in the future health of Nova Scotians and indeed all Canadians."
The Peggy Davison Cancer Research Scientist Award was named in recognition of Peggy Davison, inaugural board chair of Cancer Care Nova Scotia. The award is a reflection of her commitment to the value of research to enhance and improve cancer care for Nova Scotians.
Cancer Care Nova Scotia is a program of the Department of Health, created to reduce the burden of cancer on individuals, families, and the health-care system through prevention, screening, education and research.