The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) Commits $59.5 Million to Fund Cancer Research Worldwide Cancer

The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) has announced a $59.5 million commitment to breast cancer research for 2017 - 2018. It's largest investment to date, the grants will support the work of more than 275 scientists at leading academic and medical institutions in 15 countries. BCRF funded research spans the entire spectrum of cancer – from the most basic biology of a cancer cell to developing innovative new treatments to improving quality of life.

"BCRF was founded for the sole purpose of advancing breast cancer research. Today, we stand as the largest private funder of breast cancer research in the world," said Myra Biblowit, President and CEO of BCRF. "We've seen the impact of research – mortality rates have decreased by 38 percent over the last 25 years. However, more than 40,000 women and men continue to die from the disease each year. BCRF remains dedicated to research until the numbers of deaths from breast cancer is zero. Research is the only path towards achieving that goal." BCRF funds a diverse array of research topics and areas of focus, including the following major impact areas:

• Metastatic Breast Cancer Research: This year, nearly one-third of BCRF's grants (more than $18 million) are focused on metastatic (Stage IV) breast cancer. 
• Math Against Cancer: In today's world of rapidly advancing technologies, a cross-disciplinary approach is the only way to address the most persistent challenges in cancer: collaborating across disciplines will accelerate discoveries that can change the landscape of breast cancer.
• New Treatments: BCRF is committing nearly $20 million to research aimed at improving treatments for breast cancer patients. 
• Inherited Susceptibility and Tumor Genomics: Family history, genetics and race/ ethnicity all contribute to an individual's risk of breast cancer. Tumor genetic factors that are not inherited also influence the outcomes in breast cancer. BCRF is investing over $15 million in research in inherited susceptibility and tumor genomics.
• Early Diagnosis and Prevention: BCRF is committing more than $12 million to early detection and prevention research.
• Health Disparities: BCRF is committed to addressing the diverse factors affecting disparities in breast cancer outcomes. BCRF has committed nearly $3 million in studies to understand the differences in genetic and biological risk factors across populations; improve access to genetic testing in high-risk minority groups; as well as access to screening and diagnosis, quality care and affordable medications to underserved populations and patients in low resources settings.
• Breast Cancer as a Growing Global Threat: As cancer's toll grows around the world, it is in pace to replace infectious diseases as the single greatest threat to global health and development. In fact, the World Health Organization predicts that more people will die from cancer by 2030 than from AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis combined. BCRF's global presence is reflected in its support of 30 international researchers in 14 countries totaling more than $5 million in grants outside the US.

Learn more about these projects by tuning in to "Investigating Breast Cancer," the official podcast of BCRF. Available on iTunes and bcrfcure.org/podcasts.