BC Cancer Foundation’s Innovation Support Fund Accelerating Cancer Discoveries in BC
January 18, 2012
Found in News
Kelowna, B.C. – High priority cancer research programs receive an additional boost of over $475, 000 for new technology from the BC Cancer Foundation’s Innovative Support Fund. This investment supports leading-edge research already underway thanks to the $18.6 million in annual funding to BC Cancer Agency researchers and clinicians in 2011.
“I’m inspired by our donors and their commitment to the power of research,” says Douglas Nelson, President and CEO of the BC Cancer Foundation. “Their generous support is accelerating discoveries that make significant improvements in the lives of cancer patients in B.C.”
Funding will help researchers at the Sindi Ahluwalia Hawkins Centre for the Southern Interior estimate breast density from digital mammograms. Breast density estimates can be used as a biomarker in forecasting breast cancer prevention therapies as well as predicting breast cancer risk.
Dr. Rasika Rajapakshe believes that this investment in state-of-the-art technology will have long term benefits for breast cancer patients as researchers and clinicians will have the right tools to better predict breast cancer risks, outcomes and prevention therapies.
The Innovation Support Fund provides province-wide funding for the purchase of new and enhanced equipment that may not otherwise be accessible through granting agencies. The goal is to help BC Cancer Agency scientists remain competitive, current and strategic—and to continue improving patient outcomes.
“On behalf of the BC Cancer Agency I want to express our sincere appreciation to the BC Cancer Foundation donors for generously providing funds for this important initiative. You are helping researchers remain competitive in their ongoing efforts to solve the cancer problem,” says Dr. Samuel Abraham, Vice President of Research at the BC Cancer Agency.
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BC Cancer Foundation's Innovation Support Fund:
Vancouver Island [Vancouver Island, news release -PDF]
Vancouver [Vancouver, news release – PDF]
For more information or to arrange an interview please contact:
Allison Colina, Communications Specialist
e. allison.colina@bccancer.bc.ca
t. 604-707-5934