She's Determined to be Part of the Solution

New National Designation at Markey Cancer Center Elevates Student Researcher’s Mission

By Elizabeth Chapin

The summer after Susanna Goggans’ freshman year at UK, her mother was diagnosed with ovarian cancer through UK Markey Cancer Center’s Ovarian Cancer Screening Program, a long-running research program that offers free annual screening to women across Kentucky. Because cancer was detected early, she was able to make a full recovery and is now cancer free.

But as her mother went through treatment, Susanna became interested in pursuing a career in oncology. Coming from Johnson County in Eastern Kentucky, a region with some of the nation’s highest cancer rates, a cancer diagnosis was all too common for family, friends and neighbors she grew up with. Susanna was determined to be part of the solution.

“Why did my mom, who does everything she can to stay healthy, end up getting cancer?” she said. “And why do so many people in Eastern Kentucky get cancer? These questions are what really threw me into my journey with oncology.”

At UK, Susanna was introduced to Markey’s Appalachian Career Training in Oncology program, an education and research opportunity for UK undergraduates from Appalachia. Through ACTION, she was able to gain hands-on experience in clinical shadowing, cancer outreach and research. The program helped her develop a passion for cancer research and discover her potential as a physician and scientist.

“Coming from a little town with a little high school, the concept of research seemed terrifying and unachievable for me, as I had never even known someone to work in a scientific lab,” Susanna said. “The ACTION program pushed me to get involved in the labs of researchers at UK, where I discovered the thrill of being at the edge of science and the sense of fulfillment of contributing to the knowledge that can one day potentially influence cancer care.”

Today, Susanna is a third-year medical student in UK’s College of Medicine, where she continues to be involved in cancer research on her way to becoming oncologist.

Susanna Goggans became interested in pursuing a career in oncology when her mother was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Now she’s a third-year medical student.

Photo by Arden Barnes, UK Photo

UK EARNS NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE’S COMPREHENSIVE CANCER DESIGNATION

When UK Markey Cancer Center Director B. Mark Evers, M.D., began his role in 2009, he set out a vision that Markey would attain National Cancer Institute designation. That goal was achieved in just four years when Markey received its initial NCI designation in 2013.

For the past decade, Markey’s status as an NCI-designated cancer center has been transforming lives and changing the future of cancer care in Kentucky.

The designation recognizes excellence in cancer treatment, diagnosis and prevention. It also opens doors to additional funding to support cancer research, outreach and training programs—including programs like ACTION, which was launched with funding available to NCI cancer centers only.

This September, Markey attained designation as a “Comprehensive” Cancer Center, the highest level of recognition awarded by the NCI. The first and only center in Kentucky to achieve this designation, Markey is one of only 56 Comprehensive Cancer Centers in the U.S., putting it in elite company.

To earn designation, Comprehensive Cancer Centers must demonstrate strong laboratory, clinical and population-based cancer research programs – including transdisciplinary research that bridges these areas.

“NCI designation in 2013 was an important milestone, but not the final destination. The elevation to Comprehensive Cancer Center is an achievement that underscores our commitment to addressing the health care needs of the people of Kentucky, a state burdened by the highest cancer incidence and death rates in the nation,” said Evers.

Dr. B. Mark Evers celebrated with a new T-shirt the day it was announced that the Markey Cancer Center attained designation as a “Comprehensive” Cancer Center, the highest level of recognition awarded by the NCI.

Photo by Mark Cornelison, UK Photo

“As a Comprehensive Cancer Center, we are strengthened in our mission to lead the charge against cancer through groundbreaking research, innovative treatments and outreach efforts to bring vital resources and care to every corner of Kentucky. Together, we will turn the tide against this disease to conquer cancer in the Commonwealth.”

Comprehensive designation ensures Markey patients –97% of whom come from Kentucky – continue to get access to the highest level of cancer care without having to leave the state. This includes access to new drugs, treatment options and clinical trials offered only at NCI-designated centers.

The new status as a Comprehensive Cancer Center also establishes Markey among the top cancer centers in the nation. With this comes increased ability to attract top-tier researchers and clinicians, secure additional research funding, and collaborate with national and international partners. This will further enhance Markey’s ability to provide Kentuckians with the best possible cancer care and develop new and innovative cancer treatments.

Comprehensive designation also came with $13.5 million through a five-year renewal of Markey’s NCI Cancer Center Support Grant, which will strengthen Markey’s research footprint by supporting research programs, shared equipment and resources.

Today, more than 250 faculty from 11 of UK’s 16 colleges are actively working on cutting-edge cancer research in the lab, the clinic and the community - including population-based studies that address the environmental and behavioral factors that contribute to cancer. Markey researchers are actively addressing health disparities among populations disproportionately impacted by cancer including communities of color, and rural and Appalachian Kentucky.

Through programs like ACTION, Markey is also educating and training the next generation of cancer researchers and clinicians. Many, like Susanna, are dedicated to staying in the Commonwealth to address the region’s high cancer burden.

At the press event to announce Comprehensive designation this past fall, hundreds in the Markey community – including staff, faculty, patients, clinicians, researchers, donors, students, community members and community leaders – gathered to celebrate the milestone.

Susanna was also there to share her story, too, saying her family’s experience is just one example of the transformative impact of cancer research.

“When I started research, I was an overwhelmed and scared undergrad with a mom going through chemo, and I am honored to continue research as a medical student at a now Comprehensive Cancer Center with my healthy cancer-free mom proof of the difference research can make,” she said. “As a Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Markey Cancer Center has even more opportunities to impact and change lives, just as they did for my family.” ■