I am honored to present this issue of Momentum in a new role, as director of the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center. The name of this publication is so appropriate, because we have reached a point of tremendous momentum against this set of diseases called cancer. The decline in the overall cancer death rate in the United States continues in large part because the investment in cancer research in past decades is beginning to pay a return.

However, we still have a lot to do. Tennessee is one of seven contiguous states with the highest cancer death rates in the nation. Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center is located at the very buckle of this “Cancer Belt.” We are one of only two Comprehensive Cancer Centers in these states, and as such, it is our obligation to focus our work where we can make the most impact. Until those outcomes change significantly, our jobs are not done.

I am excited about my new role because I am confident that this team of talented researchers, physician-scientists, and other professionals at Vanderbilt-Ingram can make a difference. I consider it an incredible privilege to bring together their strengths as we work together, and with colleagues locally and around the world, toward an important and compelling objective. Simply put, we want to eliminate death and suffering from cancer. We do this for our patients and families by delivering first-rate, evidence-based care in our clinic. We do this by reaching out to our neighbors and helping them understand and take steps to reduce their cancer risks. We do this on a global scale through our innovative science and translational research.

I am pleased to report on some of the progress that we’re making. In this issue of Momentum, you’ll see how advances in cancer are “found in translation” through the deliberate and focused process known as translational research. You’ll learn about new frontiers in imaging and in stem cell biology that offer new insights about cancer treatment and prevention. You’ll read about work to understand why residents of the Southeast face a greater risk of developing and dying from cancer than those who live in other parts of the country.

Most importantly, you’ll meet people whose lives have been changed by cancer and who share their experiences in these pages: Ardythe Jones, a woman on a quest for answers about cancer of unknown primary, the mysterious and maddening cancer that claimed the life of her husband, Frank; Pam Martin, a breast cancer survivor who shares the lessons she learned along her cancer journey; Teresa Lundberg, the beneficiary of decades of research that began with a curious observation – that snake venom could make baby mice open their eyes sooner – and with no expectation that it had anything to do with cancer; and Jim and Brigitte Grant, whose decision to seek a second opinion made all the difference.

I hope that you enjoy this issue of Momentum and that its content will spark conversation and inspire you to learn more at our Web site, www.vicc.org. And because virtually everyone has been touched by cancer, directly or indirectly, please share this magazine with family, friends, co-workers or neighbors.