BULLETIN
The official Newsletter of the Gynecologic Cancer Foundation		Volume 1, Number 1

Welcome from the Chairman

Last Revision - December 27, 1996
Copyright © 1996, The Gynecologic Cancer Foundation

This is the first edition of the GCF Bulletin. It was developed by its Managing Editor, Dr. Ronald Alvarez, who is also Chairman of the Membership Donor Committee. He is working with GCF staff (Lisa Kamen and Karen Carlson) on the project. He felt that the SGO/GCF members needed to know more about what the GCF was doing than could be passed along in SGO Issues, the publication of the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists. It should be emphasized that the relationship between SGO and GCF has never been better or closer. This bulletin is an effort to emphasize the work of the GCF. It will be published three or four times a year.

The articles carried in this issue represent the variety and scope of GCF activities. The SGO/GCF Communications Committee, headed now by Dr. Beth Karlan, continues its efforts to increase public awareness of gynecologic cancers and the important role of gynecologic oncologists in their care.

Her committee has expanded programs initiated by Dr. Carolyn Runowicz who previously headed that committee. They include the 1-800 GCF "Information Hotline," the support of multimedia coverage of the scientific program of the annual clinical meeting, the publishing of a new "Active Prevention" brochure, and preparation of a book on gynecologic cancers oriented to the lay public. The recent development of a news release program for important papers to be published in each month's issue of the journal, Gynecologic Oncology, has been paid for by GCF. Potentially, the GCF may reach more women through the upcoming Women's Cancer Network, an interactive Internet site on the World Wide Web estalished by Dr. Mitchell Morris, than all of our other efforts. Support of these communication activities comprises one of the largest expenses in the GCF budget.

The GCF also supports research grants, three of which are to be funded in 1997-1998. They are described in this issue. In addition, the GCF/NCI Research Training Fellowship is also discussed.

Equally important and essential to these programs are GCF's fund-raising efforts. You will be hearing more about these.

John L. Lewis, Jr., M.D.
Chairman, GCF