The California Breast Cancer Research Program announced $9.8 million in grants to 53 California researchers pursuing new solutions to detecting, treating and preventing breast cancer. More than $3.1 million went to Bay Area researchers.

The studies range in scope from improving breast health services and support for underserved populations to studying the causes of breast cancer and improvements in treating the disease. The researchers include experienced scientists, young researchers developing their careers, and community members participating as co-equal research partners.

Nineteen San Francisco Bay Area researchers received grants from the California Breast Cancer Research Program, which include the following:

- Dr. Irene Yen, at UC San Francisco received $162,847 to study the impact of city planning policies and neighborhood conditions and services on girls' eating and exercise habits. Obesity is a significant risk factor for breast cancer, and childhood obesity may lead to early puberty, which is an additional breast cancer risk.

- Dr. Shanaz Dairkee at the California Pacific Medical Center Research Institute received $279,242 to determine the biological effects of the xenoestrogen bisphenol A, a common component of plastic containers for water, milk, and other ingested consumables.

- Dr. Alice Whittemore at Stanford University received $264,595 to examine families that have more than one person with breast cancer to investigate whether the ability of breast cancer to spread to other parts of the body is influenced by an inherited gene.

"The Bay Area is one of California's leading, active centers for breast cancer research, with several renowned institutions, as well as a diverse and active community deeply involved in breast cancer issues," said Mhel Kavanaugh-Lynch, director of the California Breast Cancer Research Program. "These projects represent a spectrum of scientific analysis, career development and community participation that will further our understanding of the causes of breast cancer, investigate new possibilities for prevention and improvements in how we detect and treat the disease."

The complete list of funded grants is available at the California Breast Cancer Research Program's Web site, www.CABreastCancer.org

About the California Breast Cancer Research Program

The mission of the California Breast Cancer Research Program is 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 University of California Office of the President.

To date, the program has awarded 725 grants to 89 scientific institutions and community entities, totaling more than $174 million for research in California to prevent, treat, and cure breast cancer.

Grants from the California Breast Cancer Research Program 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 program is funded through the voluntary tax check-off program on personal income tax form 540, a portion of the state tobacco tax, and individual contributions; 95 percent of all funds go to research and education.

For more information: (888) 313-2277, www.CABreastCancer.org