Progress in Breast Cancer Research!

What a month! April was an exciting month for progress in breast cancer research. Not only did scientists re-classify breast cancer into 10 completely new categories; BC Cancer Agency’s very own Dr. Karen Gelmon was honoured during a special gala event co-hosted by The Canadian Friends of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and the BC Cancer Foundation.

Scientists at the BC Cancer Agency and Cancer Research UK have reclassified breast cancer into ten completely new categories based on the genetic fingerprint of a tumour in the largest genetic breast cancer study ever performed. This new “encyclopedia” of breast cancer could change the way the disease is diagnosed and form the basis of next-generation treatments. This study, published in the journal Nature, offers much-needed insight into breast cancer biology, allowing doctors to better predict whether a tumour will respond to a particular treatment. You can read more about the discovery here.

Your support makes discoveries like this possible, yielding results that continue to push us closer to our vision of a world free from cancer.

On April 22 Dr. Karen Gelmon was honoured at a sold-out gala for her tremendous contributions to the field of breast cancer research. Supported by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and the BC Cancer Foundation Dr. Gelmon is leading an international collaborative study on genetic sequencing, epigenetics, immunology, stem cell research and cancer imaging with the Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada (IMRIC).

Below is a photo of some of us from the event, including myself, left, then Susan Mendelson, Dinner Chair; BC Cancer Agency’s Dr. Karen Gelmon, Dinner honoree; Dr. Peter Hotz, Vancouver CFHU President; and Rami Kleinmann, CFHU National Director.

Below are some additional exciting updates from the BC Cancer Foundation and the BC Cancer Agency in the coming weeks that I hope you can take a moment to read through.

Thank you for being our partner in discovery.

Douglas Nelson
President & CEO
BC Cancer Foundation 

You’re invited to join the MOVEment
Date: Tuesday May 15, 2012
Time: 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Location: Vancouver Art Gallery, Georgia Street Plaza 

The BC Cancer Foundation is pleased to be launching a brand new MOVEment to support life-saving breast cancer research right here in B.C. 

Please join us on May 15th at the Vancouver Art Gallery (on the Georgia Street plaza) from 12:00-1:00pm to learn more about our new epic fundraising event and show Vancouverites that it’s time to start movin’, groovin’ and stretching in support of leading-edge breast cancer research.

Please contact Krista Constantineau if you are interested in participating or for more information.

Do your part for cancer prevention
Calling North Vancouver, B.C. Residents

The BC Cancer Agency’s BC Generations Project is recruiting North Shore residents for the largest cancer prevention study ever conducted in B.C.

The BC Generations Project is part of a national effort to explore how genetics, environment, lifestyle and behavior contribute to the risk of developing cancer and other chronic diseases. The study aims to recruit up to 40,000 British Columbians who wish to make a lasting contribution to the health of future generations. To date, the project has enrolled more than 21,000 participants.

Any B.C. resident aged 35 to 69 is eligible to join. The project’s North Shore assessment centre, supported by the BC Cancer Foundation, is located at 219-1940 Lonsdale Avenue and will run May 22 June 20. For more information, visit www.bcgenerationsproject.ca or call 604-675-8221.