News from the Director

This issue of Crossroads highlights the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center’s work fighting a disease that disproportionately affects Alabamians—lung cancer.

The good news is that, as a nation, we are continuing to see declines in the incidence and mortality of lung cancer in men and stabilization in the incidence for women, with an anticipated decline in the near future. This is clearly related to decreased smoking rates and the success of large-scale clinical trials, many of which involved the Cancer Center.

Our lung cancer team continues to do excellent clinical and translational research in this area. In addition, the national scene continues to change with increased taxes on tobacco, broader clean indoor-air laws and discussions regarding federal tobacco control. With all of these efforts, lung cancer could one day become as rare as it was prior to World War I.

The Cancer Center also has had three major research programs renewed in the last several months. These include the Specialized Program of Research Excellence (SPORE) in breast cancer (highlighted in this issue), the Morehouse School of Medicine-Tuskegee University-UAB Partnership and REACH-U.S. The latter two programs are dedicated to eliminating health disparities among minorities in the South and will be highlighted in the next issue of Crossroads.

One of our breast SPORE investigators and a great contributor to our women’s cancer program, Helen Krontiras, M.D., is featured in this issue’s Center Profile.

As I write this, I have had the privilege of serving as the director of the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center for five months. The support I have received from the Cancer Center faculty and staff, the Supporters Boards and the public has been exceptional and has made this truly the best job in America.

Edward E. Partridge, M.D.
Director
Evalina B. Spencer Chair in Oncology