The Dr. David Alberts Endowed Fellowship For Cancer Prevention

Cancer Prevention and Control Program (CPCP) Mission and Impact

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Preventing cancer is a critical public health and scientific priority for the 21st century. It is also vital to our national goal of reducing cancer mortality by 50% over the next 25 years, thereby saving over 300,000 lives a year. Developing leaders skilled in cancer prevention will be essential to achieve this goal. The University of Arizona Cancer Center (UACC) is one of just five centers nationwide dedicated to advancing clinical trials for cancer prevention, and our program was  highlighted at the 2023 American Society for Preventive Oncology annual meeting, serving as a model to inspire and guide others.

The success of Arizona’s Cancer Prevention and Control Program (CPCP) program is largely due to Dr. David Alberts's visionary decision to invest in cancer prevention as the next frontier in significantly reducing cancer mortality. One of his most invoked quotes is “Prevention is so much better, because it saves the burden of being sick.” 

Despite the undeniable importance of cancer prevention, research funding from both the US National Institutes of Health and industry predominantly supports therapeutic and diagnostic approaches. Consequently, those areas of investigation and career paths have become highly appealing to the next generation of cancer clinicians and researchers. Without adequate support for the next generation of cancer prevention researchers, we risk losing the field entirely. This endowed fellowship will advance our mission to recruit and train the next generation of cancer prevention specialists.  

Program Overview

The CPCP at the UACC stands out for its collaborative, multidisciplinary approach to reducing cancer rates and related burdens. Under the distinguished leadership of Dr. Jennifer Bea and Dr. Heidi Hamann, this program carries out translational research that extends from the laboratory to clinical settings and community outreach. 

The Cancer Prevention and Control Program's 52 members across 11 universities and colleges are committed to reducing the burden of cancer in Southern Arizona and beyond.

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Scientific Goals

The CPCP's primary goal is to conduct innovative, trans-disciplinary research to reduce cancer burden and disparities. This mission is achieved through:

• Integrated Faculty Collaboration: This involves bringing together experts from the University of Arizona to foster cancer-site or theme-specific team science. Our scientists participate in national consortia, including the CDC-funded Prevention Research Center Program, the Cancer Moonshot Initiative, and the All of Us Research Program. 
• Impactful Research: Our scientists spearheaded the initial efforts to demonstrate that a single-dose Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine can provide durable protection against HPV— the virus responsible for cervical cancer—comparable to that of a two-dose schedule. Our research  has also improved patient navigation programs, helping patients overcome barriers to cancer screening and follow-up services.

Program Infrastructure and Curriculum

• Training and Education: Dr. David Alberts Fellows will receive comprehensive training, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to conduct high-quality cancer prevention education and research. This training will include:
• A two-year traineeship offering exposure to cutting-edge research and mentorship from leading cancer prevention experts.
• Fellows engage in research, submit funding proposals, publish in peer-reviewed journals, and present at national scientific conferences.
• Each trainee works with a primary mentor at the university and secondary mentors who may be based nationally or internationally
• Community Outreach: The Fellows will engage in UACC community outreach activities, including awstory brochureareness campaigns, public talks, and collaborations with local organizations. These activities serve as a platform to empower individuals to make informed decisions and facilitate positive behavioral changes.

• Research and Implementation: The Fellows will focus on cancer prevention research that develops evidence-based practices that improve health-related policies and recommendations.

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Eligibility and Application

Candidates with doctoral degrees in public health, medicine, epidemiology, basic science, bioengineering, community psychology, sociology, or related health sciences are encouraged to apply to receive support for up to 2 years. Fellows will be recruited nationally, at scientific conferences and other venues.   

Funding Structure

• Endowed Fellowship: $1,000,000, with a projected annual payout of $45,000.