FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, Sep. 5, 2007
Lyn Dunagan (510) 987-0037
lyn.dunagan@ucop.edu
UC research forum spotlights environmental links and ethnic disparities in breast cancer
The California Breast Cancer Research Program, administered by the University of California, will host a symposium on Sep. 7-9 for breast cancer researchers, advocates and the public at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel in Los Angeles. Attendees will discuss the latest results and ground-breaking topics in breast cancer research.
The conference’s keynote speaker, Sandra Steingraber, a noted ecologist and author of “Living Downstream: An Ecologist Looks at Cancer and the Environment,” frequently speaks on topics of environmental links to cancer and reproductive health. Olufunmilayo (Funmi) Olopade and David R. Williams, experts in cancer and disparities research, will speak in an evening session on racial and ethnic disparities in breast cancer and the possible reasons for them.
“From Research to Action: Breaking New Ground,” the sixth statewide symposium offered by the California Breast Cancer Research Program, provides an opportunity for people affected by breast cancer to meet with experts working on ways to end the disease. Researchers will display the latest results of their research funded by the program, with workshops on a broad range of key topics currently under investigation in breast cancer research as well as other potentially fruitful areas to explore. Discussions are designed to be friendly to a lay audience to increase participation .
“Our symposium offers a chance for all of us to pause, reflect, and see where we can make advances against breast cancer,” said Mhel Kavanaugh-Lynch, M.D., M.P.H., director of the California Breast Cancer Research Program. “It’s a chance to acknowledge both the advances our researchers have made and the impact that breast cancer still has on our lives. The enthusiasm and intensity that attendees bring to this event creates new hope and optimism for a future without breast cancer.”
Additional discussion topics include advances in breast cancer treatment, understanding the role of estrogen in breast cancer, exploring the special issues faced by young women with breast cancer, breast cancer prevention strategies, and scientific studies of complementary and alternative medicine.
The symposium will also include artwork depicting the impact of breast cancer on the human spirit, and nonprofit organizations offering valuable information and resources.
Program updates and registration information is on the program’s web site at www.CABreastCancer.org.
About the CBCRP
The California Breast Cancer Research Program seeks to eliminate breast cancer by leading innovation in research, communication and collaboration in the California scientific and lay communities.
Created by the State Legislature in 1993, the California Breast Cancer Research Program is the largest state-funded breast cancer research program in the nation and is administered by the UC Office of the President. To date, the program has awarded 761 grants to 92 scientific institutions and community entities, totaling more than $181 million for research in California to prevent, treat and cure breast cancer. Program grants fill gaps not traditionally funded by other research programs to jump-start new areas of investigation that push the boundaries of research and foster new collaborations. The California Breast Cancer Research Program is funded through the voluntary tax checkoff program on personal income tax form 540, a portion of the state tobacco tax and individual contributions. For more information, call (888) 313-2277, or visit www.cabreastcancer.org.
For more news and information about the University of California:
www.universityofcalifornia.edu
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