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Dr. Kathy J. Helzsouer, Director, Prevention and Research Center

Mercy's Dr. Kathy J. Helzlsouer Named Chair Of The Molecular Epidemiology Group Of The American Association For Cancer Research

Dr. Kathy J. Helzlsouer, Director, The Prevention and Research Center at Mercy Medical Center, has been named Chair of the Molecular Epidemiology Group (MEG) of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR).

MEG is a scientific working group of epidemiologists, molecular biologists and geneticists, biochemists, toxicologists, nutritionists, clinical and translational researchers, pathologists, biostatisticians, ethicists and researchers from any other relevant scientific discipline who are interested in working together to increase knowledge about cancer and chronic disease etiology, thereby promoting the cure and prevention of cancer and the improvement of public health.

As MEG Chair, Dr. Helzlsouer will work with her colleagues in proposing symposium and education topics for future AACR meetings, sponsor discussion groups and other efforts designed to promote networking among members and to advance research in the field of molecular epidemiology “including studies of cancer etiology, diagnosis and prognosis and the search for relevant biomarkers,” Dr. Helzlsouer said.

MEG is dedicated to a multi-disciplinary approach to the study of cancer and chronic disease etiology. MEG promotes the incorporation of molecular and biochemical concepts and techniques into well-designed epidemiologic studies by providing an ongoing forum for the scholarly discussion and development of sound approaches to the conduct and interpretation of molecular epidemiologic studies; by sponsoring scientific and educational programs and activities that will advance the field; and by fostering partnerships and collaborations among scientists in a variety of disciplines encompassed in and related to molecular epidemiology.

Dr. Helzlsouer joined Mercy and the nationally acclaimed Weinberg Center for Women’s Health and Medicine in October 2004 to spearhead Mercy’s efforts to expand the base of knowledge and research in women’s health.

Dr. Helzlsouer is nationally and internationally recognized for her research in cancer control and has numerous publications and presentations to her credit. She is recognized for particular expertise in clinical epidemiology, cancer epidemiology and cancer prevention.

In July 2008, Dr. Helzlsouer was designated Chair of the Council on Cancer Control by Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley. As Chair, Dr. Helzlsouer oversees the activities of The Maryland State Council on Cancer Control, a 25-member body appointed by the Governor. Members are selected from State agencies and administrations involved in cancer screening, prevention and treatment services, as well as from the general public, the business community, health and scientific disciplines concerned with cancer control. The Council advises the Governor, other government officials, public and private organizations and the general public on comprehensive State policies and programs necessary to reduce and control the incidence and mortality of cancer in Maryland.