American Cancer Society National Board Officer to lead the National Cancer Institute

American Cancer Society
Thursday, 6 December 2001

President Bush has selected Andrew C. von Eschenbach, MD, to direct agency.

The American Cancer Society, the nation's leading voluntary health agency, applauds the appointment by President George W. Bush of Andrew C. von Eschenbach, MD, to be Director of the National Cancer Institute (NCI). As Director of the Program Center-Genitourinary Cancers and Prostate Cancer Research Program at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas, von Eschenbach brings with him more than 20 years experience as an academic oncologist. He has also served most recently as the president-elect of the American Cancer Society's national volunteer Board of Directors.

In addition to his involvement with the Society's Board of Directors, von Eschenbach has provided volunteer counsel to the Society's Income Development, Research and Medical Affairs as well as the Reduction in Cancer Incidence and Mortality committees. He is also a member of the National Dialogue on Cancer and holds the Roy M. and Phyllis Gough Huffington Distinguished Chair in Urologic Oncology at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.

"Although we will greatly miss Dr. von Eschenbach's leadership, the nation will no doubt benefit from his service and expertise," said John R. Seffrin, PhD, the Society's national chief executive officer. "As the chair of our cancer control committee and numerous other posts within the Society throughout the years, Dr. von Eschenbach has proven his compassion and commitment to eradicating cancer as a major health threat here and now. The National Cancer Institute will do well by his leadership and passion."

"During Andy's tenure as part of the Society's national leadership, the Society's commitment to cancer research has grown substantially," said Robert C. Young, MD, the current volunteer president of the Society and President of the Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. "We have recently announced 84 research grants, totaling $46,352,380 to begin January of this coming year. Over the years, the American Cancer Society has spent more than $2.3 billion funding scientific research and this commitment will continue.

"Furthermore we have worked hard to identify research areas where we could productively supplement the work of the National Cancer Institute. I know that Dr. von Eschenbach will bring this same commitment to his new position and we stand ready to assist him in those endeavors."

On a related issue Dr.Young added, "The American Cancer Society is also committed to working with our collaborating partners in One Voice Against Cancer, a collaboration of national non-profit organizations representing more than 15 million Americans, to advocate for increased federal funding for cancer research and early detection programs. These efforts will help our nation in its aggressive pursuit of better methods of preventing, detecting, and treating cancer and – ultimately – finding a cure."

The American Cancer Society is the nationwide community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives and diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy and service.

For more information, or to contact American Cancer Society, see their website at: www.cancer.org