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Advances in scientific discoveries in breast cancer

BCRP grantees will present the latest research in breast cancer detection, prevention and treatment, including technologies to enhance treatment and individualize therapy, methods to extend survival, techniques to pinpoint breast cancer susceptibility, preventive dietary measures, and highly-specified agents developed to block cell communications and tumor growth. Some of the highlighted research will reveal:

• The link between increased mortality rates among women over 65 years of age and the reliance on breast conserving surgery (lumpectomy) alone, without examination, and potentially, removal of axillary (underarm) lymph nodes or use of radiotherapy. Addressing the potential spread of cancer cells to axillary lymph nodes may improve survival in older breast cancer patients.
• A gene located near the more extensively studied BRCA1 gene appears to be strongly associated with breast cancer risk in women aged 50 years or younger who also have at least one first degree relative (mother, sister,) with the disease. Screening for this gene in this population may be useful in predicting/assessing breast cancer risk and devising appropriate prevention or treatment strategies for these women.
• Intake of foods with certain components during adolescence may be linked to reduced incidence of breast cancer in later life. A study found that the age at which animal models were exposed to dietary interventions plays a role in determining the chemopreventive power and provides more evidence to shift the focus of breast cancer prevention strategies to adolescent years – a critical period in which breast development occurs and breast cancer risk is established.

WHY:
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, accounting for one of every three cancer diagnoses in women. It is estimated that one out of every eight American women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime, and more than 40,000 will die from the disease this year alone – one life lost every 13 minutes.

WHO:
The 3rd Era of Hope meeting expects to convene more than 1,800 grant recipients, world-renowned researchers, experts and advocates to present and discuss the latest scientific advances in breast cancer research. Since its inception in 1992, the BCRP has become the second largest funder for breast cancer research, after the National Cancer Institute.

WHEN:
Wednesday, September 25 – Saturday, September 28, 2002

WHERE:
Orange County Convention Center
9800 International Drive
Orlando, FL
Press Room: Room 202C
Telephone: 407-685-4275
Fax: 407-685-4276
Hours:

Wed. 2:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Thurs. 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Fri., Sat. 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

MEETING REGISTRATION:
For registration information or press inquiries, visit http://cdmrp.army.mil/bcrp/era or contact: Jennifer Goldberg, Cooney/Waters Group, 212-886-2200, jgoldberg@cwg.com (407-685-4275 from 9/25-9/28)

The Department of Defense Breast Cancer Research Program (BCRP) represents an unprecedented partnership among scientists, clinicians, the military and breast cancer survivors to share perspectives on the science and human impact of breast cancer, identify promising new directions for future research and address issues most important to women with the disease. BCRP grants focus on innovative, often understudied areas of research not addressed through other funding, underscoring the program’s commitment to push the boundaries of traditional investigation and help accelerate the eradication of breast cancer.

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