The American Cancer Society (ACS) has approved funding for $28 million in new Extramural Discovery Science (EDS) research and career development grants. The awards will fund investigators at institutions across the United States starting in July 2024.
Local researcher, Stephanie Compton, PhD, RD, LDN, was awarded $217,500 to research the impact of aerobic exercise on postprandial glycemic control and ectopic adipose tissue deposition in colorectal cancer survivors. Compton will conduct her study at Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Baton Rouge from July 2024 through June 2027.
“I am grateful and honored to have received this award from the American Cancer Society,” said Compton. “My goal is to study how lifestyle changes can help cancer survivors survive and thrive after diagnosis, and this award makes this possible. This research will help us understand more about how exercise can benefit survivors.”
Colorectal cancer survivors are at higher risk of developing health conditions like type 2 diabetes following cancer treatment. As a result, high blood sugar from type 2 diabetes can contribute to the development other health conditions like heart disease, affecting a survivors overall quality of life. Compton’s study is seeking to improve the lives of cancer survivors by understanding how aerobic exercise may reduce the risk of developing other health conditions following cancer treatment.