The American Association for Cancer Research is deeply saddened by the loss of Elizabeth Edwards. An outspoken cancer advocate and passionate supporter of access to quality health care for all, she fought her disease in the public eye and exhibited a great deal of courage by speaking candidly about coping with terminal breast cancer.
We want to express our heartfelt condolences to the Edwards’ family, as well as our gratitude for her advocacy efforts. Though breast cancer incidence has declined over the last decade, and mortality has steadily decreased since 1990, much work remains to be done on this disease that is expected to kill nearly 40,000 Americans in 2010.
This week, the AACR is in Texas, working in partnership with the University of Texas Health Science Center and Baylor College of Medicine for the 33rd Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium. The symposium facilitates the rapid translation of new scientific knowledge into better care for breast cancer patients.
It is our hope that the work being done by scientists here and around the world will spur the momentum of progress for breast cancer research, and lead to better methods of prevention, diagnosis and treatment for those who suffer from the same disease that caused the untimely passing of Ms. Edwards.
