New Investment in Breast Cancer Research

Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation announces 34 new research projects

OTTAWA, Aug. 21, 2013 /CNW/ - Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation (CBCF) is building on its commitment to fund high quality research across the breast cancer continuum, by investing $8.4 million in projects across Ontario, including a grant to Dr. Patricia Poulin in Ottawa.  She will evaluate an interdisciplinary program which could change the way pain is treated for breast cancer survivors suffering from chronic neuropathic pain.

As the largest funder of breast cancer research in Canada, CBCF funds research that is changing the landscape of what is known about how to prevent, detect, diagnose and treat breast cancer. The Foundation also funds a wide range of training fellowships that advance knowledge and talent at Canada's top research institutes and hospitals.

"Breast cancer remains the most common cancer in Canadian women over the age of 20, and with one in nine women diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime, we know there is still much more we can do to prevent and treat breast cancer," said Sandra Palmaro, CEO, CBCF-Ontario.

Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation funds innovative research that aims to reduce the incidence of breast cancer, lower mortality rates and support women and their families who experience breast cancer.

Close to half of women living with breast cancer suffer from persistent pain such as chronic neuropathic pain. Neuropathic pain is caused by damage to the nervous system. Nerves can be damaged by the cancer itself but they can also be damaged during surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy. This type of pain is notoriously hard to treat.

Dr. Poulin and her team will evaluate an innovative program combining medical treatment and mindfulness-based stress reduction - an eight-week, group-based program that uses mindfulness meditation and yoga to improve awareness and acceptance of moment-to-moment experiences, including physical discomfort and difficult emotions. The team will evaluate the effects of the program on quality of life as well as on brain function and biomarkers of stress.

"Pain is a sensation that triggers stress, fear and anxiety. It often comes with sleep problems and depression. Every day we see women who have persistent pain, and we see the profound impact it has on their lives," said Dr. Poulin, CBCF-funded researcher and a psychologist at The Ottawa Hospital. "We hope this program will work and significantly improve women's quality of life in the long term."

Breast cancer mortality rates have decreased by 42 percent since the peak in 1986 in large part due to research advancements which have improved earlier detection, diagnosis and treatment. Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation supports and advocates for the breast cancer community through health education programs and public policy focusing on risk reduction and early detection.

Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure will take place on Sunday, October 6 in nearly 70 communities across Canada. It's the largest single-day, community-driven fundraising event in support of breast cancer research, education and awareness.

"CIBC Run for the Cure is one of our signature fundraising events and people are welcomed to take part by running, walking, volunteering or donating," said Melanie Richer, a volunteer Run director in Ottawa.

Visit runforthecure.org for more information on how to participate, donate or volunteer.

Click here to review a complete list of CBCF's newest grantees.
Click here to find out how to get involved with the CIBC Run for the Cure.
Click here for important updates to CBCF-Ontario Region's Funding Programs for Fall 2013.

About the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation

Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation is the leading community-driven organization in Canada dedicated to creating a future without breast cancer. Our investments in innovative and relevant research and education have led to progress in breast cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care. Since 1986, we have been at the forefront of a nationwide movement supporting and advocating for the breast cancer community. Join us at www.cbcf.org.

SOURCE: Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation - Ontario Region

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT CBCF-ONTARIO REGION OR TO SET UP AN INTERVIEW:

Megan Primeau
Communications Manager
Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation - Ontario Region
416-815-1313 ext. 208
647-405-2830
[email protected]