GCF BULLETIN

Thank You From SGO

The extraordinary accomplishments of the Gynecologic Cancer Foundation over the past year are testimony to the efforts and generosity of the membership and in particular the dedication of the Board of Directors. The numerous achievements realized during 1997 have and will continue to facilitate either directly or indirectly the objectives of the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists, namely, to improve care for patients with gynecologic cancer, encourage research in gynecologic oncology, and cooperate with other individuals interested in advancing the specialty.

Increasing public awareness of the value of risk assessment, screening and prevention as well as the need to access specialty care providers for women diagnosed with gynecologic cancers has been a majorly successful endeavor for the GCF. Examples of the various vehicles realized this past year included the new Women's Cancer Network (WCN) website, the public service announcement by Cher, the free cancer prevention seminars for lay women, and networking with cancer survivor advocacy groups. The WCN (www.wcn.org) affords women a confidential risk assessment for breast and gynecologic cancers, information regarding these cancers, gynecologic oncologists in their area, and continuous updating of pertinent new literature pertaining to gynecologic oncology. I would suggest that we all become familiar with the information available to women on this new web site.

The Foundation's mission to enhance opportunities for clinical and/or basic science investigators continues to evolve, and the recognized successes to date are commendable. The initial Eva Metzger, the Schwid family, and the Karin Smith Research Awards have resulted in presentations at several national specialty meetings, publications, and preliminary data for inclusion in peer-review grant requests. I would be remiss not to mention the wonderful opportunity the GCF/NCI Research Training Program provides to Fellows.

GCF's 1998 agenda appears equally ambitious; and on behalf of the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists, I wish to express our appreciation to the past and current leadership for their foresight and for the tireless efforts of the members who allowed the translation of idealism into action. Our Gynecologic Cancer Foundation represents a vital mechanism for furthering the mission of the SGO, and I would ask each member to consider extending a personal contribution to the GCF so that the successes and spirit that we are witnessing can continue.

Karl Podratz, MD, Ph.D.
President
Society of Gynecologic Oncologists

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