Why Give Wednesday: Breast Cancer

What is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer is a malignant (cancer) tumor that starts in the cells of the breast. It occurs in both men and women, although male breast cancer is rare. It is estimated that there will be 232,570 new cases of invasive breast cancer in women this year and about 40,000 women will not survive. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States, other than skin cancer. It is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, after lung cancer.

What is UAB doing to find the cure?

The UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center is a nationally recognized leader in the field of breast cancer research. The center is one of only 11 institutions in the nation to hold a SPORE (Specialized Program of Research Excellence) grant in breast cancer. These highly prestigious grants are designed to move research findings quickly and safely from the laboratory to the clinical setting.

Komen Promise Grant awardees at UAB

The Cancer Center is also a member of the Translational Breast Cancer Research Consortium, a national group of 14 research centers that conducts innovative, high-impact clinical trials in breast cancer. Also, in 2009, the Cancer Center was awarded a $6.4-million Promise grant from the Susan G. Komen Foundation to study triple-negative breast cancer, a particularly aggressive form of the disease.

Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama

Since 1996, the BCRFA has raised and invested nearly $4 million dollars of seed money to pave the way for the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center to receive sought-after and sustaining grant dollars. These funds have been instrumental in developing the following:

-$11.5 Million Dollar Grant Pilot funding that led to the receipt and renewal of the Breast Cancer SPORE Grant (Specialized Program of Research Excellence)

-Microarray Facility Helped create the UAB CCC Microarray Facility that can determine the genetic footprint of breast cancers

-$6.4 Million Dollar Grant Pre-clinical lab testing to prepare for a $6.4 million Promise Grant from the Komen Foundation to change the prognosis and treatment of Triple Negative Breast Cancer

-Imaging Facility Helped fund the In Vivo Imaging facility which supports Three Distinct Research Studies in breast cancer
-Talent Funds to recruit and retain world-class breast cancer researchers

Dr. Edward Partridge, UAB CCC director

“The BCRFA works tirelessly to raise money for breast cancer research at the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center.  Their investment provides essential pilot funding for several projects that have potential to translate into new discoveries for cures and disease modifying treatments. This philanthropic support is absolutely critical, enabling us to receive additional, high-profile grants, as well as recruit and retain world-renowned breast-cancer researchers. For every dollar we receive from charitable contributions, the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center is able to generate an average of $16 in federal and other funding.” - Dr. Edward Partridge, UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center Director

The Breast Health Center at UAB

The UAB Breast Health Center is a leader in breast cancer diagnosis, treatment and research. With a multi-team approach to caring for patients battling breast cancer, the UAB Breast Health Center provides state-of-the-art treatment options and follow-up care. The Breast Health Center has a team of physicians with a strong passion for breast cancer and the patients it touches. Because our physicians are nationally recognized breast cancer specialists in oncology, hematology, surgical oncology, and radiation oncology, you can rest assured you’re receiving the best care available. We work with specialists in other areas of care when necessary to give you a comprehensive approach to treatment.

Why Choose UAB?
The Breast Health Center at UAB is unique in that we offer comprehensive breast health services that include screening, risk assessment, prevention strategies, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and research. The UAB Breast Health Center has earned full accreditation by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC), a group of professional organizations from around the country dedicated to improving the quality of care and the monitoring of outcomes for patients with diseases of the breast. You can reach the UAB Breast Health Center at 205.801.8266.

Visit our website for more information, your support is greatly appreciated. Donations are accepted here.