July 23, 2024:

The Big Ten Cancer Research Consortium (Big Ten CRC) Population Science Clinical Trial Working Group has received $5,000 of a $90,000 donation to be used for collaborative research regarding rural cancer survivorship. The donation is the second given to the Big Ten CRC by the Verna Mae Jessen Trust, with the first donation of $100,000 given in 2022.

Rural cancer survivors are at risk for poorer physical, social, and psychological outcomes than non-rural cancer survivors. According to Sharon Manne, PhD, (pictured left) of Rutgers Cancer Institute and Electra Paskett, PhD, (pictured right) of The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, co-chairs of the Population Science working group, this collaborative research aims to examine survivorship experiences across rural populations in Big Ten states, including Ohio, Nebraska, Wisconsin, and Indiana.

The goal is to describe the social and psychological outcomes of cancer survivors who reside in the catchment areas of the Big Ten CRC Cancer Centers in these states, identify sociodemographic and medical factors that have significant impact, and characterize disparities between rural and non-rural cancer survivors.

The research will provide valuable insights into the unique challenges faced by rural cancer survivors and inform strategies to address disparities in their outcomes.

The Population Science working group will be presenting at the Big Ten CRC Summit. Learn more about the summit and register to attend at https://bigtencrc.org/summit/.

The Verna Mae Jessen Trust supports nonprofit organizations working in cancer or pain management research. The Jessen family’s passion for oncology research stems from their long history with cancer. Several members of the family, including Kenneth, Verna Mae, and two of their siblings fought battles with cancer.

“Our family recognizes the great strides already made and the importance of continuing to fund cancer research,” said Tom Jensen, nephew of Kenneth and Verna Mae Jessen and administrator of the Verna Mae Jessen Trust.

About the Big Ten Cancer Research Consortium: The Big Ten Cancer Research Consortium was created in 2013 to transform the conduct of cancer research through collaborative clinical trials and observational studies that seek to improve the lives of cancer patients in the diverse communities we serve by leveraging the scientific and clinical expertise of Big Ten universities. The Big Ten Cancer Research Consortium creates a unique team research culture to drive science rapidly from ideas to treatment and prevention. Within this innovative environment, today’s research leaders collaborate with and mentor the research leaders of tomorrow. Since its founding, the Big Ten CRC has activated nearly 40 clinical trials across a wide range of cancer types, more than 1,000 participants have enrolled in Big Ten CRC studies, and more than 500 researchers have joined Big Ten CRC Clinical Trial Working Groups.

About the Big Ten Conference: The Big Ten Conference is an association of world-class universities whose member institutions share a common mission of research, graduate, professional and undergraduate teaching and public service. Founded in 1896, the Big Ten has sustained a comprehensive set of shared practices and policies that enforce the priority of academics in the lives of students competing in intercollegiate athletics and emphasize the values of integrity, fairness and competitiveness. The broad-based programs of the 18 Big Ten institutions provide direct financial support for more than 11,000 participation opportunities on 350 teams in 42 different sports. The Big Ten sponsors 28 official conference sports, 14 for men and 14 for women. For more information, visit www.bigten.org.