Home > Media Relations > Mercy News Archive

Media Relations: Mercy News Archive

Mercy Medical Center's Dr. Kathy J. Helzlsouer Appointed Chair Of The Council On Cancer Control By Governor Martin O'Malley

Dr. Kathy J. Helzlsouer, nationally renowned medical oncologist and clinical epidemiologist and Director of the Prevention and Research center at The Weinberg Center for Women’s Health and Medicine at Mercy, has been designated Chair of the Council on Cancer Control by Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley. Her term in the position began effective July 1, 2008.

As Chair, Dr. Helzlsouer will oversee 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.

“I am very honored to have been named to chair the Council on Cancer Control by Governor O’Malley. The Council plays an important role in promoting and coordinating programs that identify and address the needs of the people of Maryland for prevention and control of cancer—this includes enhancing access to cancer screenings, prevention and treatment services,” Dr. Helzlsouer said.

The Council also serves to review existing and planned cancer programs in both the public and private sectors to assure proper allocation of State sources. Since its inception in 1991, The Council has been ensuring a coordinated public and private system of cancer control programs throughout Maryland.

Dr. Helzlsouer joined Mercy Medical Center in October 2004 to spearhead Mercy's efforts to expand the base of knowledge and research in women's health. Previously, Dr. Helzlsouer directed the Cancer Program in the Department of Epidemiology at the Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health; she is an adjunct Professor of Epidemiology in the department. She has numerous publications and presentations to her credit and is internationally recognized for particular expertise in clinical epidemiology, cancer epidemiology and cancer prevention.

In addition to her position as Chair of the Council on Cancer Control, Dr. Helzlsouer serves on a number of advisory boards, including the PDQ Cancer Screening and Prevention Committee of the National Cancer Institute (NCI), and the editorial board of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.