UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center Name Becomes Official

Top leaders from the campus and UCSF Medical Center gathered at Mount Zion today to commemorate the official naming of the UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center. Chancellor J. Michael Bishop, MD, began by noting that the occasion was a celebration to debut a new name for the cancer center and a tribute to Helen Diller. "Helen Diller believes that inspiring education and scientific discovery can help transform the world, and this is evident in her philosophy and practice," Bishop said. "In recognition of her life and accomplishments, we are pleased to rename the cancer center in her honor. The UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center works at the leading edge in all areas of cancer research and patient care, and the new name will be synonymous with this new era of cancer discovery." A sign bearing the new name was revealed at a mid-day ceremony at UCSF Medical Center at Mount Zion, 1600 Divisadero St., where the majority of cancer services are provided. "This is a tremendous honor for me and my family, and I am proud to have my name associated with one of the leading health care institutions in the country," said Diller. "I know that the thousands of patients who come here will benefit from the expertise and care that is a trademark of UCSF, and discoveries made here also will benefit scientists, clinicians and patients around the world. It is thrilling to think about the potential global impact on quality of life." The mission of the UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center is to accelerate the pace at which research discoveries are translated into new ways of detecting, treating and preventing cancer. "Under the new name, investigators from many different disciplines will work closely together to propel our cancer program to a new level," said Frank McCormick, PhD, FRS, director of the Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center. "We are working to identify genes and environmental factors that put people at risk for cancer." Peter Carroll, MD, director of Strategic Planning and Clinical Services, UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, and professor and chair of the UCSF Department of Urology, cited the Hebrew phrase tikkun olam, which translates as "repairing the world," in introducing Diller. "The Diller family and UCSF are united in the concern of health and well-being for our community," Carroll said. Much of Diller's philosophy revolves around the concept, tikkun olam. Helen Diller and her family are dedicated to giving back to the community, especially through the advancement of education, science and the arts. "It's never too early, too late or too often to give back," said Diller, who thanked her husband, Sanford, for his support. UCSF's cancer center was designated as comprehensive by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) in 1999 in recognition of the highest level of excellence in both its scientific research and its ability to integrate diverse research approaches to focus on the problem of cancer and improve patient outcomes. The center ranks first in California and sixth nationwide in NCI research grants and is home to pioneers in research into genetic, cellular and immune system causes of and responses to cancer. UCSF News Services writer Vanessa deGier contributed to this report. Photos/Susan Merrell Related Links: UCSF Cancer Center Gets New Name Today
UCSF Today, Nov. 19, 2007 UCSF Renames Cancer Center as Tribute to Bay Area Philanthropist Helen Diller
UCSF News Release, Nov. 19, 2007