Original story written by UNMC,s Karen Burbach and published Nov. 18, 2024 is here.

UNMC leadership, in collaboration with several community groups, recently testified before the Nebraska Legislature’s Health and Human Services Committee on an interim legislative study to provide cancer center researchers more timely access to state cancer data.

In October, UNMC’s Joann Sweasy, PhD, director of the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center and director of the Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, testified on LR 377, an interim study to examine the components of the State of Nebraska’s public health registry data collection and the timely release of that data to appropriate research entities.

While testifying, Dr. Sweasy echoed her support of sharing such data because it allows the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center – one of 72 National Cancer Institute-designated centers in the United States – the ability “to conduct the most impactful cancer research that results in better prevention, early detection and cancer care for all Nebraskans.”

The surveillance data, she said, allows the cancer center to both detect changes and differences in the patterns of cancer occurrence and impact studies addressing cancer prevention and control efforts.

The data sharing collaboration with the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services stemmed from a bill that Sen. Brad von Gillern of Elkhorn introduced in January to expedite the process to get cancer data from the state.

“Sen. von Gillern’s leadership has been instrumental in bringing researchers and DHHS together to get critical data into the hands of scientists more quickly,” said Amanda McGill Johnson, executive director of Nebraska Cures, which was instrumental in bringing partners together to expedite the data-sharing process.

Sen. von Gillern, who represents District 4 in the legislature, said he was “humbled to help increase communication and the quantity and quality of data between the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, and our cancer research community within the state.

“This is truly one of the most exciting and productive things I’ve been a part of since joining the Legislature. My hope and prayer is that a cure for cancer is closer than ever, and we see that happen within our lifetimes.”

Anne O’Keefe, MD, vice chair of public health and a professor in the Creighton University School of Medicine, said Creighton was happy to join UNMC and others in working with the Department of Health and Human Services to improve access to data for research, including public health data.

“Great things happen with great collaboration, and Nebraskans will definitely benefit,” said Dr. O’Keefe, who also has a master’s degree in public health.

Said Dr. Sweasy: “Nebraskans and especially those who have been impacted by cancer, will benefit greatly from the data sharing agreement between UNMC and the DHHS.”