Good day. I just wanted to update you on some extremely important and exciting matters related to the Journal of Cancer Education (JCE). We have just completed negotiations with Springer that will result in the JCE being published six times per year (currently we are published quarterly). This will afford greater opportunities to prospective authors and allow us to eliminate the backlog of manuscripts awaiting print publication. The JCE has published four issues a year since its founding in 1986. The original contract allowed for approximately 250 pages per year which is only slightly more than a single current issue.

The JCE was founded by Dr. Richard Bakemeier with the unequivocal support of the AACE Executive Committee. The Journal’s goals as set forth in the first issue were to “involve advancing the state of knowledge of cancer causation, detection, and treatment, aimed at improving the welfare both of healthy individuals and of cancer patients. The Journal will strive to assist the cancer community in translating current knowledge and practical, understandable, effective methods of education for students, residents, research fellows, practicing and academic health professionals, and the public.” [1].

I am entering my sixth year as Editor-in-Chief. It has been a remarkable journey. One that I never expected to take. Following up Joe O’Donnell as Editor-in-Chief has been a daunting challenge. As the vaudeville comedian Henny Youngman once quipped…“I wouldn’t give that spot to a leopard!” However, I hope that I have met the challenges, but only through the support of our Deputy Editors (John Vetto and Amr Soliman), Joe O’Donnell, and all of you. Thank you. I have retired from the active faculty at the University and believe that it is also time to step down as Editor. The Journal needs to have an Editor-in-Chief who is actively engaged in cancer education. Our field demands such relevancy.

The search for a new Editor will commence immediately, and a new Editor-in-Chief officially installed at the Annual Meeting. Please contact me if you, or someone you know, is interested in this position. I will be more than happy to send out a full description of the position and answer any questions. Overall, it has been an extraordinarily satisfying experience. As I said, an adventure I never thought that I would take, but one for which I will be eternally grateful for taking. It is time for fresh ideas and leadership. Time for me to experience some new adventures with my best friend, Terry O, cheer on the Red Sox, cycle some country roads, and read a few books!

Thank you all for you past, current, and future support! Be well.

Arthur M. Michalek, PhD, FACE.