Published on March 27, 2011
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 27, 2011
MEDIA CONTACT:
Liona Chan
(703) 519-2107
Liona.Chan@preventcancer.org
(Washington D.C.)—The Prevent Cancer Foundation recognized four leaders in the cancer community at the 2012 Laurels Awards Luncheon during the 14th annual Dialogue for Action on Colorectal Cancer Screening conference. Sidney Winawer, MD, Jasit Ahluwalia, MD, MPH, MS, Ann Fonfa and Franklin Berger, PhD all received Cancer Prevention Laurels awards for their outstanding contributions to the cancer prevention field. The awards recognize their work in lifetime achievement, national leadership, advocacy and innovative programs, respectively.
Awarded the Laurel for Lifetime Achievement, Sidney Winawer, MD, is internationally recognized for his contributions to the prevention and diagnosis of colorectal cancer. Throughout his extensive career, Dr. Winawer has led groundbreaking research, served in numerous professional societies, championed many awareness and screening campaigns and still attends to cancer patients at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, where he is an attending physician and a member with tenure.
Jasjit Ahluwalia, MD, MPH, MS, recipient of the Laurel for National Leadership, has devoted the past 19 years to improving the health of high-risk populations, including underserved racial and ethnic minorities. His research has focused on nicotine addiction and smoking cessation in African American smokers. From conducting research in improving minority health to mentoring many early-career investigators, Dr. Ahluwalia’s outstanding work speaks for itself.
Recipient of the Laurel for Advocacy, Ann Fonfa is a breast cancer survivor who created the Annie Appleseed Project, an all-volunteer organization advocating for fresh approaches to cancer prevention, research and treatment. She tirelessly works on exploring and publicizing natural cancer therapies and the effects of treatment on survival and quality of life, as well as treatment efficacy, effectiveness, and adverse effects.
Franklin Berger, PhD, has led the way in promoting bold and innovative initiatives which have greatly increased colorectal cancer awareness, screening and early detection in South Carolina—earning him this year’s Laurel for Innovative Programs. Over the last 35 years he has worked both in the lab as a biomedical scientist and in local communities as an educator—bringing together colorectal cancer advocates, survivors, businesses and medical providers to work collaboratively to reduce colon cancer.
The Prevent Cancer Foundation has been honoring leaders in cancer prevention at the annual Laurels Luncheon for the past 9 years.
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About the Prevent Cancer Foundation:
The mission of the Prevent Cancer Foundation is to save lives through cancer prevention and early detection. Founded in 1985, the Foundation has provided more than $125 million in support of cancer prevention and early detection research, education, advocacy and community outreach nationwide. For more information, please visit www.preventcancer.org
