CLEVELAND -- For his extensive research in colon cancer prevention, Gregory S. Cooper, MD, staff investigator and Co-Program Leader for Cancer Prevention and Control at the Ireland Cancer Center of University Hospitals of Cleveland (UHC) and Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, received the prestigious John Peter Minton Hero of Hope Research Medal of Honor from the American Cancer Society, Ohio Division. Dr. Cooper is also a gastroenterologist at UHC and Professor of Medicine, Oncology, Epidemiology & Biostatistics at Case Western Reserve University.
The Minton award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the advancement of cancer research in Ohio. The Hero of Hope award is given annually in memory of Dr. John Peter Minton, a former Ohio State University physician, professor and world-renowned cancer researcher. The award will be presented at the American Cancer Society’s annual meeting on October 15 at the Columbus Convention Center.
"Greg Cooper has had and will continue to have a tremendous impact on colon cancer screening efforts in Ohio that will result in a reduction in cancer incidence and cancer mortality," says Stanton Gerson, MD, Director of the Ireland Cancer Center and the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center. "He epitomizes the goals of the John Peter Minton Award and is a shining example at the Ireland Cancer Center of advocacy for cancer prevention."
Through the American Cancer Society, Dr. Cooper has a grant identifying the under-utilization of colon cancer screening techniques which was published in the January issue of the journal Cancer. He has received several grants from the National Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society to study cancer screening and follow-up care and identify opportunities for interventions to improve current practices.
Dr. Cooper co-chaired the Ohio Dialogue for Action in Colorectal Cancer Screening and Control as well as the state task force on colon cancer prevention and his data has impacted regional efforts in educating patients about the importance of screening for this preventable disease. Dr. Cooper also serves on the Advisory Board for the Ohio Cancer Incidence Surveillance System to monitor data about the burden of cancer in Ohio.
Dr. Cooper received his MD at the University of Pennsylvania and completed his residency and a fellowship in gastroenterology at UHC and Case. Dr. Cooper and his family reside in Orange Village.