Susan G. Komen for the Cure Hosts Navy Medicine During Dallas Navy Week

By Valerie A. Kremer, Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery Public Affairs

DALLAS (NNS) -- Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, Deputy Chief Logistics and Installations; visited the Susan G. Komen for the Cure global headquarters, Apr. 6, to discuss the Navy's capabilities and advancements in cancer research and issues of common interest.

Rear Adm. Richard C. Vinci visited the facility as part of Dallas Navy Week 2011.

"We appreciate the Navy visiting Susan G. Komen for the Cure and sharing many of the same interests in combating cancer," said Chandini Portteus, Susan G. Komen for the Cure vice president, evaluation and scientific programs. "Educating our staff on the Navy's role in breast cancer research has been a great opportunity to learn the role of Navy medicine in this important fight against cancer."

During the visit, Vinci toured the headquarters, met with staff and with leadership to discuss the commonalities in the advancements of research, and the importance of funding of cancer research.

"It is great to see that both Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the Department of Defense are in alignment, and are both advocates for the treatment and research of breast and other forms of cancer," said Vinci. "It is important that as we make these discoveries in cancer research and relay this data to our patients, to further help them and reduce breast cancer mortalities and incidence."

During his presentation to staff, Vinci shared how Navy medical research and development is a critical piece of the Navy's maritime strategy. Along with traditional roles like deployments and projecting power abroad, Vinci discussed how international military medical partnerships and teaming with non-government organizations supports the Navy's mission.

"Navy Medicine has research labs all across the globe, that play a key role in medical diplomacy that builds partnerships and increases our body of medical knowledge that benefits the global community," said Vinci. "Navy personnel and scientists routinely collaborate with regional research groups in the fields of disease surveillance, vaccine development and vector control for tropical diseases. They also train local scientists in areas of medical research and dealing with public health challenges."

Vinci said finding cures for cancer is one of the key focus areas for military medical research.

"It is through that research and development, and graduate medical training that Navy and other military medical researchers are able to identify and deliver advancements in cancer research to our patients," said Vinci. "Sharing information on this important challenge with other experts in this field of research is of great benefit in getting us a step closer to beating cancer one day."

Susan G. Komen for the Cure is the global leader of the breast cancer movement, having invested nearly $1.5 billion since its inception in 1982. The organization is the world's largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists, working together to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures.

Dallas Navy Week is one of 21 Navy weeks across the country in 2011. Navy Weeks are designed to show Americans the investment they make in their Navy and increase awareness in cities that do not have a significant Navy presence.