New Investment in Breast Cancer Research

Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation announces 34 new research projects

TORONTO, 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. Ralph S. DaCosta in Toronto to develop a new imaging method that will improve the way breast cancer is detected and reduce the need for repeated surgery.

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.

Dr. DaCosta and his team will take advantage of the unique biomarkers displayed by breast cancer cells to improve the way that breast cancer is diagnosed - before any surgery occurs. Using a new optical imaging method they are developing, the researchers will identify exactly where the cancer cells are located, so that lymph nodes do not have to be unnecessarily removed for testing, and so that surgeons can ensure they remove all of the cancer the first time, reducing the need for a second surgery. This new approach may also help to guide the selection of the best therapy after surgery based on the cancer's biomarkers.  An additional benefit of this new imaging method is that it will not use radioactive dye - as current methods do.

"Despite significant progress in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer, the need remains for better approaches and tools that will have less of an effect on a woman's body," said Dr. DaCosta, CBCF-funded researcher and Cancer Care Ontario Research Chair in Cancer Imaging at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network. "If successful, this new technology could help women with breast cancer to live longer, healthier lives."

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 Jeffrey Nold, a volunteer Run director in Toronto.

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]