ATLANTA — The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) congratulates Electra D. Paskett, PhD, MPH, on receiving the 2015 AACR Distinguished Lecture on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities, funded by Susan G. Komen. She will be honored at The Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved, held Nov. 13-16, in Atlanta.
Paskett is the Marion N. Rowley professor of cancer research and director of the Division of Cancer Prevention and Control at The Ohio State University (OSU) College of Medicine in Columbus and professor of epidemiology in the OSU College of Public Health. She is associate director for population sciences, director of the Center for Cancer Health Equity, and program leader of the Cancer Control Program at OSU Comprehensive Cancer Center. She is being recognized for her decades of contributions to investigating and reducing cancer health disparities among the underserved.
Paskett will deliver her award lecture, "Just Because You Build It Doesn't Mean They Will Come: Addressing Disparities Along the Cancer Control Continuum," during the opening plenary session, Friday, Nov. 13, 6:30 p.m., in the Sheraton Atlanta Hotel.
Now in its sixth year, the AACR Distinguished Lecture on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities recognizes an investigator whose novel and significant work has had or may have far-reaching impact on the etiology, detection, diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of cancer health disparities.
"I am so honored to be receiving this award from two prestigious organizations that have brought cancer researchers and advocates together to address cancer disparities through science and partnership with communities. My research uses this successful model as well," Paskett said.
Paskett's pioneering efforts toward developing and testing interventions to eliminate cancer health disparities have led to critically important improvements in cancer screening and care in minority and low-income populations. Her work has earned her an international reputation as a leader in cancer health disparities, evidenced by her service in a wide range of leadership roles, including as chair of steering committees for the Patient Navigation Research Program and the Centers for Population Health and Health Disparities. By using community-based participatory research strategies, Paskett works to address disparities with community partners in various populations including inner-city African-Americans, rural populations, and residents in the Ohio-Appalachian region. She also demonstrates a steadfast commitment to training the next generation of cancer control and health disparities researchers, having mentored more than 100 junior faculty, graduate and medical students, postdoctoral and medical fellows, and residents.
Paskett has been an active member of the AACR since 2002. She is deputy editor for Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention and a member of the Cancer Prevention Research editorial board. Paskett has also been involved in the AACR Scientist-Survivor Program, as a cancer survivor herself.
Additionally, she is a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, past-president of the American Society of Preventive Oncology, section editor of the journal CANCER, and grantee of the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and Susan G. Komen. Paskett received her doctorate from the University of Washington in Seattle.
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About the American Association for Cancer Research
Founded in 1907, the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) is the world's oldest and largest professional organization dedicated to advancing cancer research and its mission to prevent and cure cancer. AACR membership includes more than 35,000 laboratory, translational, and clinical researchers; population scientists; other health care professionals; and patient advocates residing in 101 countries. The AACR marshals the full spectrum of expertise of the cancer community to accelerate progress in the prevention, biology, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer by annually convening more than 30 conferences and educational workshops, the largest of which is the AACR Annual Meeting with nearly 19,300 attendees. In addition, the AACR publishes eight prestigious, peer-reviewed scientific journals and a magazine for cancer survivors, patients, and their caregivers. The AACR funds meritorious research directly as well as in cooperation with numerous cancer organizations. As the Scientific Partner of Stand Up To Cancer, the AACR provides expert peer review, grants administration, and scientific oversight of team science and individual investigator grants in cancer research that have the potential for near-term patient benefit. The AACR actively communicates with legislators and other policymakers about the value of cancer research and related biomedical science in saving lives from cancer. For more information about the AACR, visit http://www.AACR.org.
