History

In 1952, a handful of women organized a support group for the Dade County Cancer Institute. Their goal was to raise money for the early detection of cancer through research, cytology and education. Dr. George Papanicolaou had been doing outstanding research on cancer detection at the Institute, and the women chose him as the recipient of their financial support. In 1960, Dr. Papanicolaou became director of the Institute, which was soon renamed the Papanicolaou Cancer Research Institute. Not long after that, his loyal supporters became the Papanicolaou Women's Corps.

During the years before and after Dr. Papanicolaou’s death, the Cancer Institute greatly expanded its cancer research program and, in 1984, it merged with the University of Miami's Comprehensive Cancer Center. The two organizations became one institution dedicated to cancer research, medical education and treatment.

In 1986, the Harcourt M. and Virginia W. Sylvester Foundation gave a $27.5 million gift to the cancer center for the construction and endowment of a new outpatient cancer clinic on the site of the original Institute building. When the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center opened its doors in May of 1992, the Papanicolaou research laboratories and activities were relocated to the University of Miami School of Medicine. To this day they are still located in the Papanicolaou Cancer Research building, which had been named in honor of the doctor and his achievements.

Now known as The Pap Corps, Champions for Cancer Research, we have more than 21,000 volunteers -- men and women -- organized in over 50 chapters in Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade counties. We support research at South Florida’s only university-based cancer center – breakthrough research dedicated to finding cures for all cancers that affect men, women and children around the globe.

Since its inception in 1952, The Pap Corps has raised 39 million dollars; over $29 million in the last 10 years.

Over 90% of all monies we raise go toward cancer research, and ultimately to more effective treatments for more types of cancer. We are proud of our accomplishments and remain dedicated to our mission: to enable and support vital cancer research programs that may someday lead to a world without cancer.

The Pap Corps has received numerous awards from the University of Miami and other civic organizations for its outstanding community service. In 1957, the Miami Herald awarded the Corps its first Honorable Mention Award for an "Outstanding Service Program in Dade County." In 1961, the Miami News honored the Corps with a "Community Service Certificate." From 1990 through 1996, the Corps received the "Organization of the Year" award at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine "Helping Hands" Award Gala.

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It Started with the Pap Smear!
Dr. George Papanicolaou was the inventor of the vaginal smear − now known as the Pap test – for the early detection of uterine cancer. It is still used worldwide for the detection and prevention of cervical cancer and other cytologic diseases of the female reproductive system. This diagnostic test, which has saved the lives of millions of women, so impressed a small group of women in Dade County that in 1952 they organized to raise funds in support of the Dade County Cancer Institute. They eventually named their organization for Dr. Papanicolaou and have continued over the years to raise tens of millions of dollars to fund research projects that may replicate his success and result in early detection and cure for all types of cancer.
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