Canadian University Press Releases/Newswire

Source: University of Victoria
http://communications.uvic.ca/releases/release.php?display=release&id=760

Health and Social Impacts of Cancer Examined

October 12, 2006

From
clinical research to palliative care, cancer is a presence with a powerful
impact. The scientific and societal implications of the disease will be part
of a University of Victoria/Gairdner Foundation public lecture and panel
discussion on Oct. 24 at 7:30 p.m. in the David Strong Building, room C103.

One of this year’s Gairdner Award recipients, Dr. Alan Hall, the chair of
the cell biology program at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New
York, will deliver the lecture "Cancer—Just Cells Behaving Badly." His
presentation will discuss his work which has important implications for
understanding how tumour cells become metastatic and spread throughout the
body.

Post-lecture panelists include:
• Dr. Mary Ellen Purkis, Dean of UVic’s Faculty of Human and Social
Development, whose research focus is on understanding the conditions
necessary to support high-quality, inter-professional, palliative care
teamwork;
• UVic biochemist Dr. Caren Helbing, who conducts research on cell activity,
what disrupts it and whether it’s possible to "convince" cancer cells to
selectively destroy themselves;
• Linda Aylesworth, senior reporter for Global BC, whose award-winning
health and research stories have given her a unique insight into the people
behind the cancer statistics;
• Dr. Brad Nelson, Director of the BC Cancer Agency’s Deely Research Centre,
whose research involves the immune response to cancer and the molecular
control of T-cell proliferation;
• Dr. Brian Weinerman, an oncologist and the Medical Director of Internal
Medicine with the Vancouver Island Health Authority, whose research
interests are in the development of cancer therapies that can be designed
for different individuals.

Since being founded in 1957 by the late Toronto businessman James Gairdner,
the Gairdner Foundation has recognized the world’s top medical research
scientists through its awards. Some 65 Gairdner winners have gone on to win
the Nobel Prize.

Members of the public are welcome to attend the lecture, panel discussion
and following reception but must contact the UVic Ticket Centre in advance
at (250) 721-8480 to book their seats or visit www.auditorium.uvic.ca

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Media Contacts:
Patty Pitts (UVic Communications) at (250) 721-7656 or ppitts@uvic.ca