​Phil and Penny Knight issued a $1 billion challenge to accelerate cancer research at OHSU: raise $500 million in two years and they would match it. More than 10,000 donors answered the call, and Betty Hise for Cancer Research, Inc. was proud to be among them. In 2015, we contributed $100,000—matched dollar-for-dollar—helping the Knight Challenge reach its goal and strengthening the future of cancer research at OHSU.

 

2025 Research​

 

Betty Hise for Cancer Research has invested in cancer research at the Knight Cancer Institute for several years. This past year, that commitment helped advance a melanoma study connected to OHSU’s War on Melanoma initiative—now recognized globally.

 

Melanoma is less common than other skin cancers, but it is the deadliest and has been rising for the past three decades. Oregon ranks in the top 10 nationally for both melanoma rates and deaths. In 2025, approximately 100,000 cases of invasive melanoma were diagnosed in the U.S., along with as many additional cases of non-invasive melanoma. War on Melanoma is working to reverse these trends by bringing researchers, clinicians, and public health partners together with patients and families across Oregon and beyond. The campaign encourages everyone to “Start Seeing Melanoma” and reminds us that “Melanoma stands out.”

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What causes melanoma? Common causes include overexposure to the sun and indoor tanning. Melanoma can develop when DNA damage in skin cells isn’t repaired, leading to mutations that cause cells to multiply rapidly and form malignant tumors.
 

The good news: melanoma is often preventable, and survival rates are highest when it’s found and treated early. War on Melanoma advances awareness and education, research and treatment, early detection and prevention, and fundraising.

• Do regular skin exams and look for a mole or spot that changes in size, shape, or color.

• Talk with a healthcare provider if you notice anything new or changing.

• Limit UV exposure and avoid indoor tanning.

 

Learn more and take action: Visit www.startseeingmelanoma.com to learn what to look for, how to do a skin exam, and what to do if you find something—plus photos for reference. When melanoma is treated early, the survival rate is about 99%; when detected late, it can be as low as 35%. Melanoma is the only cancer that can be detected with the naked eye—check your skin and check those you love.

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2026 Research

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In late 2025, Betty Hise for Cancer Research presented a $20,000 gift to the Knight Cancer Institute to support a study for early detection of pancreatic cancer in high risk, symptomatic patients. Accepting the gift on behalf of the Knight Cancer Institute was Lisa Nolen, philanthropic support.