National Cancer Research Month – How You Can Help

May is National Cancer Research Month, which serves as an important reminder to everyone that the key to future progress in the fight against cancer lies in the critical work that still needs to be done. As of today, cancer will directly affect one in three people at some point during their lives, and many others will be touched by it in other ways, such as through family members and friends. With significant advances being made every day, research is paving the way toward better outcomes and quality of life for everyone who is diagnosed with cancer, both now and in the future.

Cancer is unique in that it is not a single condition, but rather hundreds of distinct conditions with widely varying treatment guidelines. For instance, some treatments that work well for certain types of cancer are completely ineffective for others. Given this, the scope of cancer research must be very broad. Additionally, to be meaningful, the results of this research must be made available to everyone who can potentially benefit from it. In sum, the research process is a monumental task that requires both substantial effort and a large financial commitment.

If you are interested, there are many beneficial ways that you can contribute to cancer research or help advance the cancer cause. For instance, you might:

• Participate in Miles for Moffitt, a family event for runners, walkers, and wheelchair participants who want to support lifesaving cancer research at Moffitt Cancer Center. You can purchase a Moffitt license plate where 100 percent of the proceeds go to cancer research or earmark your donation straight to research funding through Moffitt’s Foundation.
• Donate to the National Cancer Institute (NCI) through the Gift Fund or by purchasing the Breast Cancer Research Stamp. The projects supported by the NCI Gift Fund can vary based on current research priorities; some examples include special fellowships for training scientists in cancer research, new clinical laboratory equipment, financial assistance for patients who are in need and educational materials designed to create public awareness.
• Get involved in cancer-related activities, such as helping patients with meals, errands and getting to and from appointments. Find out more about how to volunteer at Moffitt.
• Volunteer for initiatives spearheaded by cancer-related organizations that provide services and support to people who are facing cancer.
• Donate blood or tissue left over from medical tests to cancer research.
• Participate in research studies. Many clinical trials, such as cancer prevention and screening studies, need participants who have not been diagnosed with cancer.

As a pioneer in cancer research, Moffitt Cancer Center is proud to be the only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center based in Florida. This prestigious designation recognizes both our dedication to performing extensive research and our robust portfolio of clinical trials. As a direct result of our research efforts, many of our patients are among the first in the nation to benefit from promising new treatments that are unavailable elsewhere. For these reasons and more, our cancer survival rates consistently exceed the national averages and our patients have better-quality lives.

At Moffitt, some of the best and brightest scientists in the world continue to work tirelessly to find a cure for cancer, but there is still much to be learned. Only through research can we enhance our understanding and discover and develop more effective treatments. In fact, without research, tomorrow’s generation will be left to face cancer with today’s treatments. 

If you’d like to learn more about Moffitt’s cancer-related initiatives and services, call 1-888-MOFFITT or complete a new patient registration form online. No referrals are required.