New Investment in Breast Cancer Research

Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation announces 34 new research projects

WINDSOR, 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 Rosa-Maria Ferraiuolo in Windsor to study how a protein in the human body may be involved in the development of drug resistance.

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.

New treatments that target drug-resistant cancers require a thorough understanding of what causes resistance in the first place. Spy1 is a protein in the human body that is needed for normal breast cell growth. If levels are too high, it can stimulate the development of cancer, and can promote the spread of cancer to other parts of the body. Previous research has implied that it may also play a role in the development of drug resistance, which limits treatment options for women with breast cancer.

In the lab at the University of Windsor, Ms. Ferraiuolo will study how Spy1 may play a role in the development of drug resistance. Her research also builds on a clinical study currently being conducted to assess whether levels of Spy1 are associated with treatment success in women receiving chemotherapy.

"I have friends and family who have been diagnosed with breast cancer, and I'm trying my best to play a role in eliminating it," said Ms. Ferraiuolo.  "I hope this research will shed light on how resistance to breast cancer drugs develops, which could help to identify new ways of treating breast cancer in the future."

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 Ingrid Kerker-Lutsch, one of two volunteer Run directors in Windsor.

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]