The Community Foundation of East Mississippi continued its 2008 Breakfast Series with a discussion on recent advances in cancer research and treatment.

The discussion was moderated by Newscenter 11's John Johnson. Discussion panelists included physicians Russell Scott Anderson, John Voss, and Reece Jones.

Mississippi even has its own role in cancer research.

"At the very least, with the minority population, which of course there is a significant risk of cancer and actually increased risk of mortality associated with cancer," said Jones. "We're able to provide a patient population that's not available across the country for various research protocols and treatment protocols."

Also present at the meetings was Christie Bennett, who represents the Plum Creek Foundation, which granted $4,000 to the foundation in support of Johnson's marathon run for cancer in Dec. 2007. It is to be matched dollar-for-dollar by individuals in the community for John's 2008 cancer run initiative.

"The foundation is just very interested in helping the community, helping expose the community to educational avenues, to being involved with supporting the community through difficult situations and just supporting organizations such the Community Foundation and John's run for cancer and their efforts to help the community," Bennett said.

And that money went to good use. The money raised from Johnson's run for cancer helped cover expenses for nearly 50 cancer patients.