CHICAGO, April 19, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In a recent issue of Gynecologic Oncology, the Foundation for Women's Cancer, formerly the Gynecologic Cancer Foundation, summarizes the successful results of its Research Grants and Awards Program.

To date, the Foundation has awarded 82 research grants totaling more than $3.8 million. Uniquely, and in a climate of limited federal support, the Foundation targets young investigators with the hope that "seed" grants will provide encouragement and financial support at a crucial point in career paths, eventually blossoming into more scientists dedicated to gynecologic cancer research.

The Foundation reports an excellent return on investment:

• 94% of award recipients remain involved in clinical research;
• $58,000,000 in extramural funding has been awarded as a result of the initial research grants totaling $2,500,000 -- a 23-fold return;
• 325 peer-reviewed publications can be attributed to the research begun during the original grant period.

The data was published as part of the Foundation for Women's Cancer's 20th anniversary celebration. Founded by the Society for Gynecologic Oncologists in 1991, the Foundation supports research, education and increasing public awareness about cancers unique to women.

Dr. Anil Sood, lead author of the article and recipient of a 2001 research award, said, "In addition to support for research, for twenty years the Foundation for Women's Cancer has touched the lives of countless women and their families as they faced a cancer diagnosis."

"The Foundation for Women's Cancer is proud of its success in supporting crucial research and knowledge of reproductive cancers," said David M. Gershenson, M.D., Foundation Chair. "As we celebrate our 20th anniversary, our strong, straightforward new name also signals our commitment to expand outreach to women not yet diagnosed with a gynecologic cancer, to alert them to methods of early detection and prevention of these often-overlooked cancers."

On November 6th, 2011, the Foundation for Women's Cancer will hold its second National Race to End Women's Cancer in Washington, D.C., part of a weekend of awareness-raising events. For more information and to register, visit foundationforwomenscancer.org.

The Foundation for Women's Cancer is a non-profit organization dedicated to funding research and training, and ensuring education and public awareness of gynecologic cancer prevention, early detection and optimal treatment.

Media Contact:
Marsha Tanner Wilson
Director of Communications
301-332-0117

SOURCE Foundation for Women's Cancer