Arthur I. Holleb, MD (1921-2006)

Abstract

We are deeply saddened to inform you that Arthur I. Holleb, MD, passed away on October 19, 2006. Dr. Holleb was National Senior Vice President for Medical Affairs and Chief Medical Officer of the American Cancer Society from 1968 to 1988 and Editor-in-Chief of this journal from 1970 to 1988. Arthur was well known as a skillful and compassionate surgical oncologist and an outstanding leader and served as Associate Clinician of the Sloan-Kettering Institute for Cancer Research and Associate Director of the MD Anderson Hospital and Tumor Institute. Some of his other leadership roles include President of the New York Cancer Society, President of the James Ewing Society, first Vice President of the American Radium Society, and membership on the Cancer Commissions of the American College of Surgeons and the American College of Radiology, the Governing Council of the International Union Against Cancer (UICC), and the Board of Directors of the New York City Division of the American Cancer Society. Among Dr. Holleb's most enduring legacies are his leadership in promoting early detection of cancer through implementation of the Papanicolaou test during the 1940s and 1950s and his support for mammography research and implementation during the 1970s and 1980s. We at the American Cancer Society will never forget Dr. Holleb and his many contributions to the prevention, early detection, and treatment of cancer.