BC Cancer Foundation and Canadian Friends of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem team up to improve breast cancer survival

Vancouver, B.C. – BC Cancer Foundation and Canadian Friends of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have teamed up to fund an important research initiative between the BC Cancer Agency and the Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada. The research project will look at genetic markers in breast cancer and how they can play a role in detecting cancer earlier and improving treatments of breast cancer.

Led by Dr. Karen Gelmon, medical oncologist and senior scientist with the BC Cancer Agency, the international study team will combine local expertise to explore early genetic and immunological changes occurring in breast cancer patients.  

“Identifying genetic markers that occur early in a cancer’s development and studying if they are measurable in the blood would enable us to diagnose cancers earlier, leading to greatly improved outcomes,” says Dr. Karen Gelmon.

“We believe newly discovered genetic knowledge will improve early diagnosis and will lead to the development of novel targeted therapies. This is the next frontier in identifying and treating breast cancer and curing more women.”

Currently, breast cancer is the most common form of cancer affecting women around the world. In B.C., despite having the lowest incidence rates in the country and some of the best breast cancer outcomes in the world, the disease still claims the lives of approximately 600 British Columbians each year.

Douglas Nelson, President and CEO of the BC Cancer Foundation, says, “Together, with the Canadian Friends of the Hebrew University, we’re committed to this collaboration and improving breast cancer outcomes for patients here in B.C., in Israel and beyond.” 

Dina Wachtel, executive director of the Canadian Friends of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem is thrilled to be a part of this exciting research collaboration and hopes that the study will lead to future improvements in the health of women across the globe. On Sunday April 22^nd, Vancouver-area residents are invited to join in support of research to improve the outcomes of breast cancer at a Gala Celebration honouring Dr. Karen Gelmon. Further details about the event can be found online at: http://www.cfhu.org

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For more information or to arrange an interview please contact:

Dina Wachtel
Executive Director Western Region CFHU
t. 604-257-5133
e. dwatchel@cfhu.org

Allison Colina
Communications Specialist
BC Cancer Foundation
t. 604-707-5934
e. allison.colina@bccancer.bc.ca