From the archives
- Letters to the Editor: Love on Mammography; Freireich, Holland On Bernard Fisher
By The Cancer Letter | April 15, 1994
Susan Love, in a letter to Rep. Patricia Schroeder (D-CO) and Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA), refers to Boxer’s and Schroeder’s questioning of then-NCI Director Samuel Broder on the topic of mammography.
There is no question in my mind that we should not recommend routine screening of all women under 50. Nine randomized, controlled studies have failed to show a difference in mortality from breast cancer in women under 50 who had been mammographically screened.
Emil J Freireich and James Holland, in separate letters to the editor, expressed their support for Bernard Fisher as he faced a congressional inquiry and NCI sanctions that included his firing as chair of the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project, the cooperative group he started. A historical analysis of the scandal was published in conjunction with Fisher’s obituary.
Here Freireich speaks of Fisher with the highest praise:
I know that I express both personal feelings and objective scientific and intellectual facts when I state that I can think of no physician-scientist who has contributed more to our understanding of the basic biology of cancer, to its management, and to the benefit of the literally millions of individuals with cancer and their families than Dr. Bernard Fisher.
Holland responds in the form of a parable:
To the Editor:
A Fisher’s Tale
Once upon a time they apprehended a slovenly pickpocket in the far reaches of the kingdom with a fresh-picked wallet in his hand. They called the king’s ministers who ordered him tapped on the wrist of his misguided extremity. They forbade him to put his hand in any pocket for a full eight days. Then, after confiscating the wallet, they ordered the owner executed for not shouting “Stop, thief!” loud enough.
Thus they taught the citizenry that pickpockets are bad-they spoil the reputation of the kingdom and embarrass the king. And, as for owners, well….
James Holland
Distinguished Professor of Neoplastic Diseases
Mount Sinai Medical Center
Breast cancer awareness month
- $5M Gift Given in Memory of Daughter Lost to Breast Cancer
By Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey | Oct. 20, 2021
New Jersey residents Ed and Sue Goldstein’s mission to help fight breast cancer was fueled by the loss of their 37-year old daughter Stacy in 2001 to the disease. In 2009, the couple gave a $5 million gift to Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey to support breast cancer research and treatment which resulted in the naming of the breast cancer program in honor of their daughter.
- Barbara Bush and Laura Bush visited Fox Chase Cancer Center
By Fox Chase Cancer Center | Oct. 19, 2021
Former first lady Barbara Bush and future first lady Laura Bush visited Fox Chase Cancer Center on October 19, 2000. They were accompanied by Lynne Cheney, Michele Ridge, and Kathy Schweiber. The women all wore pink ribbons in honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness month.
Quote of the week
It’s very important this month particularly to remind women around the United States to take responsibility for their own health and make an appointment for a mammogram. Because there’s not a cure—and early detection is what really saves lives.
Laura Bush, Oct. 19, 2000,
speaking at Fox Chase Cancer Center
Remembering Joseph R. Bertino
- ASCO Mourns Cancer Drug Development Pioneer, Past President Dr. Joseph R. Bertino
By ASCO | Oct. 21, 2021
“Dr. Bertino did it all—major scientific discoveries, organization and professional leadership, teaching, and clinical care—with a rare grace and dignity. He made everyone feel respected and motivated everyone to contribute their best,” – ASCO CEO Clifford A. Hudis, MD, FACP, FASCO.
- AACR Remembers Past President and Fellow Joseph R. Bertino
By AACR | Oct. 21, 2021
From 1976 to 1979, Bertino served on the AACR Board of Directors. He was elected AACR President for the 1995-1996 term. During his presidency, he manifested his usual innovative spirit by initiating the AACR’s fundraising efforts for grants to young investigators, the first being contributed by Amgen for a clinical translational research fellowship. He also launched the Education Program at the Annual Meeting, which continues to be a hallmark component of the meeting attended by thousands of researchers.
- Remembering Joseph Bertino, MD, a Leader in Drug-Resistance Research
By Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center | Oct. 22, 2021
Dr. Bertino may be remembered most vividly at MSK for his generous spirit, his joy in collaborating with his colleagues, and his outstanding mentorship and support of students and trainees, which included playing the occasional game of basketball. The legacy he created at MSK is profound and lasting.
Recent contributions
- Roswell Park Celebrates 50th Anniversary of Pivotal Congressional Visit
By Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center | Oct. 20, 2021 - Tom Curran: A Pioneer in Pediatric Brain Tumor Research and Research Leadership
By The University of Kansas Cancer Center | Oct. 20, 2021
This column features the latest posts to the Cancer History Project by our growing list of contributors.
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