ASPO Distinguished Achievement Award Lecture Epidemiological Studies Using Biological Markers: Issues for Epidemiologists1

On April 1 1, 199 1, Barbara Sorenson Hulka, M.D., MPH., received the Distinguished Achievement Award of the American Society of Preventive Oncology (ASPO) at the annual meeting of the Society in Seattle, Washington. The award is given by the Executive Committee of ASPO in recognition of contributions to the prevention of cancer over many years, not for a single accomplishment. Any member of ASPO may nominate a candidate for the award. The 15-member Executive Committee votes by secret ballot after considering a summary of the contributions to cancer prevention of the several candidates. Dr. Hulka won in a close election over several other outstanding scientists. Dr. Hulka has chaired the Department of Epidemiology at the University of North Carolina School of Public Health since 1983. During her tenure she has developed the Epidemiology Department into one of the best in the country. The basis for her award, however, was her 25 years of work in the prevention of cancers of female reproductive organs. Dr. Hulka began her career with a series of critical studies of cervical cancer in underserved populations. These were followed by studies of the role of hormones in endometrial and breast cancers, a field in which she continues to make important contributions. She has brought to these studies a balanced evaluation of the risks and benefits of hormones rarely found in epidemiological research. Dr. Hulka has been incredibly generous in her service on state and national advisory committees. Since 1973 she has served on 26 national advisory committees, been a member of the editorial boards of seven journals, and been a consultant to numerous public and private organizations. Dr. Hulka is a graduate of Radcliffe College, the Julliard School of Music, and Columbia University’s College ofPhysicians and Surgeons and received her MPH. from Columbia University SchoolofPublic Health. It was an honor for ASPO to bestow its Distinguished Achievement Award on Barbara Hulka.