Anderson honored for improving quality of breast cancer care

The American Society of Clinical Oncology will honor Dr. Ben Anderson, a Public Health Sciences Division researcher and director of Seattle Cancer Care Alliance’s Breast Health Clinic, at its 2011 annual meeting in Chicago in June.

Anderson, who is also a University of Washington School of Medicine professor of surgery and global health medicine, will receive the 2011 Partners in Progress award for his commitment to women throughout the world and his efforts to improve their quality of care. He has devoted his clinical practice to the care of patients with breast cancer and breast health issues.

For the past decade, Anderson has been a leading voice in the international breast cancer clinical improvement and best practices movement through the establishment of the Center-based Breast Health Global Initiative, a global alliance of organizations and individuals dedicated to medically underserved women. Funded by the Center and Susan G. Komen for the Cure, BHGI has pioneered development of comprehensive resource-sensitive, evidence-based clinical guidelines to improve breast cancer outcomes in low- and middle-resource countries.

Each year through its special awards, ASCO recognizes quality researchers, patient advocates, and leaders of the global oncology community who, through their work, have made significant contributions to enhancing cancer care. These recipients of ASCO’s highest, most prestigious awards collectively represent significant strides in cancer treatment and leadership in the oncology community.

[Adapted from an ASCO news release]