The Story Behind the Photo

PREVENTION, CONTROL AND POPULATION SCIENCE PROGRAM AT CINJ
When one thinks of cancer research, microscopes and glass beakers usually come to mind. But thanks to a $12-million award from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, researchers at The Cancer Institute of New Jersey (CINJ) will be able to expand on that vision. The Princeton-based foundation just announced it will make the grant to the Cancer Institute of New Jersey Foundation for a four-year project aimed at growing the research areas of cancer prevention, control and population science at CINJ, which is a center of excellence of UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and the state’s only National Cancer Institute-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center.

The effort will concentrate on preventing cancer, and diagnosing cancer earlier. This type of research requires a large collection of data on such factors as lifestyle and diet, as well as genetic and environmental risks in developing cancer. The project also will focus on the building of a program dedicated to the unique needs of cancer survivors and will offer shared resources to other New Jersey health institutions including the dissemination of data findings and cancer-related educational materials.

“This award will help our world-renowned experts at CINJ reach new horizons in the fight against cancer. We greatly appreciate the support of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and its advanced vision in this area of community health,” said Leslie Logan Taylor, chair of the Cancer Institute of New Jersey Foundation Board of Directors.

Joseph R. Bertino, M.D., interim director and chief scientific officer at CINJ and university professor of medicine and pharmacology at UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, notes, “We are committed to improving the current knowledge base for promoting overall reductions in cancer incidence. This award will allow us to better understand who among the general public are at a greater risk of getting cancer and to get this information out to physicians and family practices.”

Nearly 80,000 patient visits to CINJ are expected next year and an annual figure of 100,000 patient visits is expected by the end of the four-year grant period. Dr. Bertino says it is those increasing numbers that make it even more critical to dedicate concentrated resources toward such study. Bertino will be the lead investigator on the project.

The Cancer Institute of New Jersey Foundation raises funds to support cancer research, treatment, prevention and education programs at CINJ. Gifts are received from corporations, foundations, individuals, special events and through planned gifts. To make a tax-deductible gift to New Jersey’s only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center call 732-235-8614 or visit www.cinjfoundation.org.

Featured in the photo: from left to right, Benjamin Crabtree, PhD, MA; Molly Gabel, MD; Guna Rajagopal, PhD; and Ms. Kim Evans.