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My name is
Betsy Mullen and I am presenting a statement on behalf of
LaSalle D. Leffall, Jr., M.D., F.A.C.S. Dr. Leffall, the
Charles. R. Drew Professor of Surgery, Howard University
College of Medicine, is a surgeon, oncologist, medical
educator and leader in professional and civic organizations.
He is a diplomat of the American Board of Surgery and a
fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and the American
College of Gastroenterology. He has served as visiting
professor and guest lecturer at more than 200 medical
institutions in the U.S. and other parts of the world and
has authored or co-authored more than 130 articles and
chapters. Dr. Leffall’s professional life has been devoted
to the study of cancer, particularly among African
Americans. In 1979, as National President of the American
Cancer Society, he launched a program on the challenge of
cancer in Black Americans paying special attention to the
increasing incidence and mortality of cancer in this
population and its implications for similar studies in other
racial and ethnic minorities -- the first program of its
type in our nation. His major areas of interest are soft
part sarcomas and cancer of the breast, colorectum, and head
and neck.
Dr. Leffall was the first African American President of the
following organizations: American Cancer Society, Society of
Surgical Oncology, Society of Surgical Chairmen, Washington
Academy of Surgery and American College of Surgeons. He has
received numerous honors and awards including: the first
Heritage Award given by the Society of Surgical Oncology in
2001 to a past president for significant contributions to
oncology. In 1987, The Biennial LaSalle D. Leffall, Jr.
Award was established by the M.D. Anderson Hospital and
Tumor Institute and Intercultural Cancer Council,
recognizing his contributions to cancer prevention,
treatment, and education in minority and economically
disadvantaged communities. As the principal Civilian
Consultant to the General Surgery Service and the Department
of Surgery of Walter Reed Army Medical Center for 25 years
(1970-95), he received the Commander’s Award for Public
Service from Walter Reed Army Center in 1995. In 1998, Dr.
Leffall became Chairman of the Steering Committee of the
National Dialogue on Cancer, a committee co-chaired by
former President and Mrs. George H.W. Bush.
The Dialogue represents a group of 140 collaborating
partners from the public, private, and not-for-profit
sectors who are dedicated to eradicating cancer as a major
health problem at the earliest possible time. In 2002,
President George W. Bush named him chairman of the
President’s Cancer Panel, a three member group that oversees
the national cancer program and reports directly to the
President.
The following is Dr. Leffall’s statement:
As a practicing surgical oncologist at Howard University
Hospital, I am writing to support the approval of two
applications for silicone gel-filled breast prostheses. The
efficacy of these materials has been reaffirmed in peer
reviewed published scientific studies including a 2004
publication of a study conducted by the NCI of over 7,000
women, for an average of twelve years, finding no evidence
of causation of connective tissue disease. Since my practice
is primarily concerned with breast tumor patients and having
been asked by many patients about the value of silicone
gel-filled breast prostheses, I again want to express my
support for approval of these materials. If there are
questions, I may be reached at (202) 865-6237.
Sincerely.
LaSalle D. Leffall, Jr., M.D., F.A.C.S., Charles R. Drew
Professor of Surgery
Last Updated:
04/13/2005
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