Kate Depew Strang

Cancer Prevention Clinic

Founded 1937



                   Director

           Joseph C. Bottino, M.D.



                Past Directors

           Elise Strang L'Esperance, M.D.

           Kathleen L. Klochkoff, M.D.

           Frances H. Bogatko, M.D.

           Alice Childs, M.D.

           Edward B. Shapero, M.D.



Strang Clinic was first to systematically apply the principle of early detection to increase cancer cure rates. The Clinic was the first to routinely screen women with the PAP test. Strang Clinic pioneered screening for lung cancer with X-rays, and screening for stomach cancer with fluoroscopy. This is still the preferred screening method in countries where stomach cancer is very common. The Clinic was among the first centers to perform diagnostic needle biopsy. This substitute for surgical excisions continues to be increasingly used for cancer diagnosis.



Elizabeth Blackwell, the first woman to receive a MD degree, founded the New York Infirmary Hospital in 1853. From this institution evolved a pioneering tradition of preventive medical services. These included:  formation of the first "Out-Practice" ( social service ) in 1857 which provided medical care and hygiene instructions to the poor in their homes;  organization of the first formal nursing education program in the U.S. in 1861; and establishment of the first Chair of Hygiene in 1864.



Dr. L'Esperance, who graduated from the New York Infirmary Medical College, demonstrated from her studies the relationship of the extent of spread which occurs over time to prognosis. Her experience with the cancer clinic she founded in 1932 in memory of her mother, Kate Depew Strang, confirmed for her the advantages of early diagnosis for cancer therapy, and she combined this with education to start the cancer prevention program.