VANCOUVER, B.C. – Simon Fraser University and the BC Cancer Agency announce that Dr. Stuart Peacock will hold the new Leslie Diamond Chair in Cancer Survivorship.
With advancements in early detection, diagnostics and treatments, nearly 185,000 British Columbians are part of a growing legion of cancer survivors. The Leslie Diamond Chair in Cancer Survivorship is supported with $5 million in funding from the BC Cancer Foundation and Simon Fraser University and aims to improve survivorship through research.
This partnership will mean enhancements for B.C.’s cancer survivors. Dr. Peacock will lead a coordinated research effort that aims to enhance the experience and health of individuals who are entering or transitioning out of cancer care. Currently the deputy head of cancer control research at the BC Cancer Agency, Dr. Peacock brings to this new role expertise in the economics of cancer control and quality of life for those impacted by cancer.
The new Chair represents a critical shift in cancer research and care as more and more patients survive the disease and require unique follow-up and support to lead healthy lives post treatment.
The Chair was brought to life through the generosity of British Columbians with $3.5 million in support from the BC Cancer Foundation, including Gordon Diamond’s incredible $1 million gift, honouring his wife Leslie’s nearly 30 years of cancer survivorship.
Dr. Peacock will be appointed within SFU’s Faculty of Health Sciences, which is recognized for its collaborative, interdisciplinary research and educational programs in population and public health. The Diamond Chair in Cancer Survivorship will strengthen the Faculty’s research capacity to meet current and future health challenges.
Due to B.C.’s growing and ageing population, there will be a significant increase in cancer cases, many survivable. Dr. Peacock will work in harmony with the BC Cancer Agency’s Survivorship and Primary Care Program to guide research initiatives with the highest potential to improve the overall health of those impacted by cancer.
QUOTES:
Dr. Stuart Peacock, Leslie Diamond Chair in Cancer Survivorship, Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University
“I am excited and humbled to have the opportunity to lead the new cancer survivorship research program in the Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, in conjunction with the BC Cancer Agency, to foster innovative, world-class research to improve the well-being of cancer survivors and their families. As the Leslie Diamond Chair in Cancer Survivorship my goal will be to lead multidisciplinary research that will help develop better access to more effective cancer services, so that British Columbians who have had a cancer diagnosis can continue to thrive and enjoy their healthiest lives possible.”
Lou Del Gobbo, Acting CEO, Vice President & CFO, BC Cancer Foundation
“The BC Cancer Foundation and our donors are proud to support the Leslie Diamond Chair in Cancer Survivorship. Under the leadership of Dr. Stuart Peacock we are confident that the growing number of cancer survivors will face a brighter, healthier future.”
Andrew Petter, President and Vice-Chancellor, Simon Fraser University
“Thanks to the generosity of Gordon and Leslie Diamond, and the support of the BC Cancer Agency, this new Chair will play a key role improving the lives of those who live with cancer. Consistent with SFU’s core commitments to research, innovation and community engagement, Dr. Peacock will increase our capacity to make a positive difference in this increasingly important area of health care.”
Gordon Diamond, Philanthropist
“I strive to support my community in ways that will have a wide-reaching and lasting impact, which this new Chair in Cancer Survivorship is certain to accomplish. And, most importantly I’ve experienced the significance of cancer survivorship as husband to my lovely wife, Leslie, who has been afforded nearly 30 healthy, memory-filled-years post breast cancer.”
Dr. Samuel Abraham, Vice President Research, BC Cancer Agency
“Understanding how cancer treatments affect patients’ lives is an important issue. Different treatment regimens affect various aspects of our biology in different ways. While BC Cancer Agency clinicians and scientists have already contributed greatly to our understanding of cancer survivorship, and the myriad of downstream consequences, this Chair will enable a much needed focus on an ever growing population of cancer survivors. We are grateful to the Diamond family, the BC Cancer Foundation and Simon Fraser University for enabling the establishment of this Chair.”
Dr. Nick Foster, Interim Vice President Provincial Cancer Care and Research, Head BC Cancer Agency
“Cancer survivors are a distinct population with specific and ongoing needs related to their cancer diagnosis and treatment. The number of survivors in British Columbia is growing and this new position will play a key role in improving their ability to access high quality survivorship programs and services.”
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Media contact:
Allison Colina
Communications Manager
e. Allison.colina@bccancer.bc.ca
Jenn Currie
Communications Officer
e. jenn.currie@bccancer.bc.ca
t. 604-675-8106
BC CANCER FOUNDATION is the bridge that connects philanthropic support and research breakthroughs in cancer knowledge. As the fundraising partner of the BC Cancer Agency and the largest charitable funder of cancer research in this province, we enable donors to make contributions to leading-edge research that has a direct impact on improvements to cancer care for patients in British Columbia. We fund with the goal of finding solutions. Visit www.bccancerfoundation.com to learn how you can make a difference in the lives of those affected by cancer.
SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY: As Canada’s engaged university, SFU is defined by its dynamic integration of innovative education, cutting-edge research and far-reaching community engagement. SFU was founded almost 50 years ago with a mission to be a different kind of university—to bring an interdisciplinary approach to learning, embrace bold initiatives, and engage with communities near and far. Today, SFU is a leader amongst Canada’s comprehensive research universities and is ranked one of the top universities in the world under 50 years of age. With campuses in British Columbia’s three largest cities—Vancouver, Surrey and Burnaby—SFU has eight faculties, delivers almost 150 programs to over 30,000 students, and boasts more than 130,000 alumni in 130 countries around the world.
THE BC CANCER AGENCY, an agency of the Provincial Health Services Authority, is committed to reducing the incidence of cancer, reducing the mortality from cancer, and improving the quality of life of those living with cancer. It provides a comprehensive cancer control program for the people of British Columbia by working with community partners to deliver a range of oncology services, including prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment, research, education, supportive care, rehabilitation and palliative care. For more information, visit www.bccancer.bc.ca.
