The Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs' (CDMRP), Ovarian Cancer Research Program (OCRP) consumer advocate Shannon Routh recently participated in the evaluation of research applications submitted to the OCRP. Shannon was nominated for participation in the program by A Fresh Chapter. As a consumer reviewer, she was a full voting member., (along with prominent scientists) at meetings to help determine how the $35 million appropriated by Congress for Fiscal Year 2020 will be spent on ovarian cancer research.
Consumer reviewers are asked to represent the collective view of patients by preparing comments on the impact of the research on issues such as diagnosis, treatment, and quality of life. When commenting on serving as a consumer reviewer, Shannon Said that, "this is an empowering opportunity to learn about potential research and truly being a a voice for the research being done on your cancer."
Consumer advocates and scientists have worked together in this unique partnership to evaluate the merit of research applications since FY97. COL Sarah B. Goldman, Director of the CDMRP, expressed her appreciation for the consumer advocates' hard work. "Integrating consumer perspectives into our decision-making process brings energy and focus to our research programs. Patients, caregivers, family members, and advocates help us keep our efforts centered around what is truly important to those impacted. We very much value this critical input from our consumers who help ensure that CDMRP's work remains critical and relevant," she said.
Scientists applying propose to conduct innovative research to prevent, detect, treat, and cure ovarian cancer to enhance the health and well-being of Service Members, Veterans, retirees, their family members and, all women impacted by this disease. The OCRP fills important gaps not addressed by other funding agencies by supporting groundbreaking research while encouraging out-of-the-box thinking.
More information about CDMRP's OCRP is available at the website: https://cdmrp.army.mil/ocrp/default or click this link for a downloadable PDF: https://cdmrp.army.mil/ocrp/pbks/ocrppbk2017.pdf