Upstream in cancer prevention and treatment

Ann Deshler, RN (pictured left), and Karen Swenson, RN, MS, lead teams of oncology researchers who ask questions and find answers about cancer prevention and treatment.

Through the Metro-Minnesota Community Clinical Oncology Program (CCOP), cancer prevention trials are available to patients through a network of nine metro-area hospitals and more than 100 doctors. CCOP currently  is studying the comparison of tamoxifen and raloxifene for their efficacy in preventing breast cancer. Researchers also are working to determine if selenium and vitamin E can help prevent prostate cancer.

In 2003, the National Cancer Institute recognized CCOP for its 20 years of continuous funding and Ann Deshler, RN, director, for her 17 years as program administrator. 

The Institute's Oncology Research Program received a $200,000 Department of Defense grant for "Predictors of Lymphedema Following Breast Cancer Surgery." Principal investigator Karen Swenson, RN, MS, will lead efforts to identify modifiable risk factors for lymphedema (arm swelling) among women who have had axillary surgery for breast cancer.