TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Breast Cancer Canada, a national charity dedicated to saving lives through breast cancer research, has announced a $3-million three-year funding for Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, one of the leading cancer research centers in the world.
The 3P Precision Prevention Progress Project will drive molecular breast cancer prevention research to improve early detection, screening, treatment and ultimately, future prevention strategies for breast cancer patients.
Dr. Rama Khokha, a Senior Scientist at the Princess Margaret who specializes in molecular cancer prevention, will lead the research team.
“The best way to stop breast cancer is to stop it from occurring, and today Breast Cancer Canada is making an investment in prevention. Breast cancer research has made remarkable progress, but we still have work to do,” said Kimberly Carson, Breast Cancer Canada CEO.
“Thanks to the commitment of our donors, this three-year funding will elevate the capacity of Dr. Khokha and her team. We are inspired by their momentum. The discoveries at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre are at the forefront of Canadian breast cancer research – I have goosebumps just thinking about the impact.”
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide. Dr. Khokha’s research focuses on identifying new risk factors and developing screening methods to detect cancer at an earlier stage, or before it has begun.
"With BCC's unparalleled support for our bold ideas, we will strive to progress Canada’s position as a leader in cancer precision prevention. This funding will not only actively advance breast cancer prevention research but to also help train and inspire next generation of scientists to have a passion for the cause,” said Dr. Khokha, a world-renowned expert in mammary stem cells and breast cancer.
The 3P Project will focus on molecular breast cancer prevention research, with the guiding principles of reduced incidence, improved early detection, personalized and targeted prevention and future prevention strategies.
“We are excited and grateful to Breast Canada Cancer for this grant,” said Dr. Brad Wouters, Executive Vice-President, Science and Research at University Health Network. “Dr. Khokha is a tremendous scientist and leads a very talented team. This grant will help her lab develop a better understanding and new approaches to explore prevention strategies.”
To donate to Breast Cancer Canada and support the Precision Prevention Progress Project, please visit breastcancerprogress.ca.
ABOUT BREAST CANCER CANADA
Breast Cancer Canada is a national charity dedicated to saving lives through breast cancer research. With a focus on precision oncology (personalized care) it is the only national breast cancer organization in Canada that has a clear mandate to raise money for research. The organization receives no government funding, meaning all research is funded through the generosity of donors. For more information visit, breastcancerprogress.ca.
ABOUT PRINCESS MARGARET CANCER CENTRE
The Princess Margaret Cancer Centre has achieved an international reputation as a global leader in the fight against cancer and delivering personalized cancer medicine. The Princess Margaret, one of the top five international cancer research centres, is a member of the University Health Network. The UHN also includes Toronto General and Toronto Western Hospitals, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, and The Michener Institute of Education. The scope of research and complexity of cases at University Health Network has made it a national and international source for discovery, education and patient care.
