BCRP Is Largest State-Funded Program In Nation
Symposium Slated March 8-10


Betsy Krugliak or Karen Monroe

BCRP Contacts

415.989.6660
karen@thepacificgroup.com

March 4, 2002 – Oakland, CA - Scientists, advocates, industry representatives and non-profit health organizations gather to address critical issues in the fight against breast cancer and to report on research and clinical trials at “From Research to Action,” a free public symposium March 8-10 at the downtown Oakland Marriott, sponsored by the California Breast Cancer Research Program (BCRP), the largest state-funded effort of its kind in the nation.

“Research like ours is urgently needed because every two hours, on average, a woman in California dies of breast cancer,” said Marion H.E. Kavanaugh-Lynch, M.D., M.P.H, Director of the BCRP. “The unique grants we fund represent new opportunities to prevent breast cancer and to contribute significantly to the treatment of the disease.”

The Symposium begins on Friday, March 8 with discussion such as Killing Cancer Cells: Biology and Therapy, Potential Causes and Risk Assessment, and Biology of Disease Progression. Presented by leading scientists and researchers, the event attracts the medical community, advocates, academia and commercial research participants, as well as consumers.

Saturday, March 9 features a two-hour discussion among breast cancer experts on the value of clinical trials, which are research studies that determine if new drugs or treatments are both safe and more effective than standard treatments. Also on Saturday, featured sessions include Racial and Ethnic Differences in Breast Cancer, Early Detection – Upgrading Mammography, and Making Progress Through Collaboration. Faith Fancher, KTVU Channel 2 Anchorwoman, will present “My Journey Through Breast Cancer: A Story of Faith” as keynote speaker during lunch.

On Sunday, March 10, the Symposium features a Community Research Collaboration Session, designed for researchers interested in applying for grants, or who are recipients of the Community Research Collaboration Award.

The three-day event is open to the public at no charge. Pre-registration is required and is available at the event, Oakland Marriott City Center, 1001 Broadway.

Funded since 1994 through the state tobacco tax, voluntary tax check-off on personal income tax forms, and individual contributions, the BCRP has generated more than $115 million for 471 grants at 62 institutions throughout the state. Grants are awarded by the BCRP to California scientists and community researchers to find better ways to prevent, treat and cure breast cancer. The California program is the largest state-funded breast cancer research effort in the nation and administered by the University of California, Office of the President.

For information call 1.888.313.BCRP, or visit www.ucop.edu/srphome/bcrp