Strang
Cancer Prevention Institute
Dedicated to promoting cure by early detection and research to prevent cancer since 1933
Early detection is your best protection
Merle K. Barash MA AEd, MA Psya
Co-Founder and Secretary on the Board of Trustees.
Merle has been dedicated to Strang for over 25 years. In 2009 together with Dr. Michael P. Osborne they co-founded Strang Institute and shared a vision to preserve Strang’s 91 year legacy as the nation's first institution for the early detection of cancer thus securing Strang’s future. They pioneered its continuance as a prominent not for profit institution ensuring its mission:
Dedicated to Promoting Cure by Early Detection and Research to Prevent Cancer since 1933, including Dissemination of Information to the Public, Educating Medical Professionals and Supporting Cancer Prevention Research.
Merle is a businessperson, visionary, and educator. She is the creator of the website's design and content giving Strang Institute a brand for the twenty-first century.
Today, the unprecedented Strang website attracts and navigates medical professionals and the public to a wealth of academic and scientific research and resources. In 2014 she created the Dianne Zola Ovarian Cancer Research Fund in honor of a dear friend. In 2016 Johns Hopkins Medical Center in Baltimore Maryland was chosen to be the first recipient of Strang’s funding for their research of the Papgene test for the early detection of ovarian cancer. In 2022 Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center New York was a recipient for funding research using a molecular Pap Smear for the early detection of Ovarian Cancer.
Merle is Editor in Chief of Strang's PREVENTION newsletter educating primary care physicians and the general public on cancer screening and prevention. She is the liaison to Strang supporters and donors.