The California Breast Cancer Research Program, administered by the University of California, will host its sixth biennial symposium for breast cancer researchers, advocates and the public at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel in Los Angeles on September 7-9.

Open to the public, the conference will feature keynote speaker Sandra Steingraber, noted ecologist and author of “Living Downstream: An Ecologist Look at Cancer and the Environment.” Olufunmilayo (Funmi) Olopade and David R. Williams, experts in cancer and disparities research, will also speak at a plenary session on racial and ethnic disparities in breast cancer and the possible reasons for them.

“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., the program director. “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.”

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.

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 more than $181 million for research in California to prevent, treat and cure breast cancer through 761 grants to 92 scientific institutions and community entities.

For more about the symposium:
www.cbcrp.org/media/pr/071807.php

For more information about the California Breast Cancer Research Program:
www.cbcrp.org

For more information about other UC cancer research and treatment efforts:
www.universityofcalifornia.edu/health/researchprograms.html

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