U.S. Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) announced that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Office of National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS), has awarded Morehead State University with a $198,768 grant for cancer research. The MSU research will focus on improved cancer prevention and drug treatments.

“Nearly every family has been impacted by cancer and the destruction and disruption it brings to the individuals and families coping with this dreaded disease. It knows no geographic or socio-economic boundaries,” stated Rogers. “Aggressive prevention, drug testing, and treatment are key to fighting cancer. With continued research there is hope that one day we will be able to close the door on cancer and prevent the hardships it brings. I am pleased to see researchers and students at MSU take a leading role in this fight. This award is also a reminder that our higher education institutions can compete on a national scale in science and medicine and are doing advanced work to improve the lives of Kentuckians.”

Morehead State University researchers will use this funding to study how damaged DNA responds to bacteria in hopes of finding answers to this complex disease. By studying the bacteria and DNA damage, scientists hope to find ways to better prevent and treat cancer. Per capita, Kentucky has one of the highest rates of cancer in the country. This year, according to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 24,060 individuals will be diagnosed with cancer in Kentucky.

The mission of NIGMS is to support research that increases understanding of life processes and lays the foundation for advances in disease diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. NIGMS-funded researchers seek to answer important scientific questions in a wide variety of fields. NIGMS also provides leadership training in the next generation of scientists and increasing the diversity of the scientific workforce to assure the vitality and continued productivity of the research enterprise.

Rogers works to obtain federal funding for projects across southern and eastern Kentucky in his role as a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee.