New Investment in Breast Cancer Research

Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation announces 34 new research projects

PETERBOROUGH, ON, 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. Gordon Winocur in Peterborough to study what causes cognitive impairment in women undergoing chemotherapy, so that it can be prevented.

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.

Up to 50 percent of women with breast cancer who have undergone chemotherapy experience memory loss, as well as difficulties with attention and multi-tasking. Although a significant amount of research has been conducted in patients undergoing chemotherapy to better understand this phenomenon, little is known about what causes it and what can be done to prevent it.

Dr. Winocur and his team have developed a mouse model that displays the same kinds of chemotherapy effects as those seen in breast cancer patients. The benefit is that these mice can be studied much more closely than humans to better understand the causes, as well as the inhibitors, of these effects. The project will involve a series of experiments with mice to better understand the nature of chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment, the risk and protective factors, and the impact of cancer on cognition. The goal of this work is to inform the development of strategies to prevent chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment in women undergoing chemotherapy, and improve their quality of life.

"It's important for women to be treated for cancer, but it's a serious concern if one of the treatments is solving one problem and creating another," said Dr. Winocur, CBCF-funded researcher, professor emeritus in the Department of Psychology at Trent University and senior scientist at Baycrest Health Sciences' Rotman Research Institute. "We want to ensure women are able to have a high quality of life after breast cancer."

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 Tina Thornton, a volunteer Run director in Peterborough.

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]