MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR

Institute researchers to share latest discoveries at major conference

Scientists from The Hormel Institute will join other top cancer researchers from around the world this weekend in San Diego for the 105th annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research. About 18,000 researchers, patient advocates and other professionals in the cancer field will come together for this five-day conference of learning and making connections for future collaborations. The Hormel Institute will feature a variety of projects focused on better understanding cancer as well as what is showing promise for preventing and controlling various forms of the devastating disease. Some of our projects at the AACR conference will focus on colon, breast, skin and lung cancer. We are proud to contribute to the AACR event because, by advancing knowledge, together we can accelerate important discoveries in the fight against cancer. Today’s research will lead to tomorrow’s cures.

In friendship,

Zigang Dong, M.D., Dr. P.H.
Executive Director

RESEARCH

Section leader’s work on prostate cancer receives national recognition

Dr. Mohammad Saleem (Bhat), leader of the Molecular Chemoprevention and Therapeutics research section at The Hormel Institute, had findings recently featured as one of three prostate cancer research projects included in the U.S. Department of Defense’s “2014 Research Highlights” section. Saleem and his research team have provided compelling evidence that a gene known as BMI1 plays a crucial role in determining the fate of tumors in a form of prostate cancer that is resistant to chemotherapy. For more information, read “Institute Researcher’s Work Highlighted Nationally.”

COLLABORATIONS

AgStar announces $10,000 annual pledge to support Institute’s work

After completing a three-year, $30,000 pledge in 2013, AgStar Fund for Rural America recently announced a new pledge to make an annual donation of $10,000 in perpetuity to support The Hormel Institute’s cutting-edge cancer research. John Monson, Chair of the AgStar Fund and Vice President for AgStar Financial Services, said AgStar hopes to inspire other organizations to do the same. The annual gift will require a matching donation each year. For more information, read “AgStar Commits $10,000 Yearly to Institute.”

SUPPORT

‘Paint the Town Pink’ raises $162,300 for Institute’s breast cancer research

Donations from hundreds of people who participated in the Austin area’s 4th annual “Paint the Town Pink” initiative raised about $162,300 overall for cutting-edge breast cancer research at The Hormel Institute. This topped PTTP’s previous record total of over $115,000 in 2013. This year’s official PTTP week ran from Feb. 14-23, with major events including the 4th annual Austin Bruins’ “Paint the Rink Pink” game; 2nd annual “Plunging for Pink” polar plunge; inaugural KAUS-AM 1480 “Pledging for Pink” radiothon; 12th annual “Fishing for a Cure” ice fishing contest; the first Brownsdale PTTP; and the Hormel Foods Austin Plant’s fundraising. For more information, visit “Paint the Town Pink tops goal, raising over $162,300.”

CANCER PREVENTION

An estimated 40 percent of all cancer deaths could be prevented by making lifestyle changes. Diet is the second biggest risk factor related to cancer development, right behind smoking. Make sure you’re eating a variety of fruits and vegetables to help lower your risk of developing cancer.

Here’s a list of foods and an anti-cancer natural compound found in each that has been studied by The Hormel Institute:

  • Dark chocolate – catechins
  • Mushrooms – lectin
  • Ginger – gingerol
  • Tomatoes – lycopene
  • Onions – quercetin
  • Walnuts – omega-3
  • Cranberries – proanthocyanidin
  • Broccoli – sulforaphane
  • Carrots – beta-carotene
  • Spinach – lutein
  • Peppers (jalepenos) – capsaicin
  • Blueberries – resveratrol
  • Strawberries – lupeol