Impact spotlight: Breast cancer research initiatives worldwide
乳癌 is highly curable if found early, but many breast cancers are diagnosed once it has already spread. Early Detection = Better Outcomes, and it’s important all populations have access to breast cancer screening and risk reduction education to prevent or detect the disease early, when treatment is more likely to be successful.
In an effort to advance breast cancer research and prevention around the world, the Prevent Cancer Foundation is proud to fund groundbreaking projects focused on early detection and innovative prevention strategies, including in low-resource settings.
Through our support of emerging scientists and high-impact projects, here’s how we’re driving progress to create a world where breast cancer is preventable, detectable and beatable for all:
メモリアル・スローン・ケタリングがんセンター
Location: Nigeria
Project title: Artificial Intelligence Decision Support for Timely Breast Cancer Diagnosis in Nigeria
In Nigeria, researchers are addressing the recent rise in breast cancer incidence through the innovative use of artificial intelligence (AI).
Four radiologists have been trained to use tablet-based mobile breast ultrasounds, enhanced with AI support, for more accurate breast cancer diagnosis. Project Director Dr. Victoria Mango and her team led training sessions and developed an online course about AI for radiologists in low- and middle-income countries. Radiologist Dr. Folasade Adeyemi shared, “This grant provided us with a crucial opportunity to evaluate the diagnostic performance and clinical utility of an AI system in a resource-limited environment like ours, where access to subspecialist radiologists is often restricted. This technology holds immense promise in reducing diagnostic delays and improving outcomes for women in our community.”
This initiative is just the first step towards this grantee’s goal of offering more timely and accurate cancer diagnoses across low-resource communities worldwide.
テキサス大学MDアンダーソンがんセンター
Location: Zambia
Project title: A Collaborative Breast Radiology Training Model for Early Breast Cancer Detection in Zambia
Currently, there are no formally trained breast radiologists in Zambia. This is a critical gap, given that two-thirds of breast cancer cases are diagnosed at later stages when treatment is less effective, and radiation is often needed. To address this, a team of researchers from MD Anderson Cancer Center, led by Project Director Dr. Toma Omofoye, has launched a breast radiology training program in Zambia aimed at building local expertise in breast imaging.
The program combines an online course, monthly mentorship sessions and hands-on biopsy training to improve breast cancer detection and diagnostic capabilities.
“To date, 31 participants have enrolled in the program and reported positive changes in perception and attitude toward breast imaging education. In Lusaka, Zambia, the increased knowledge, confidence and technical skills in radiology have resulted in increased breast cancer diagnostic procedures and accuracy,” said Dr. Omofoye.
Sarah Bernhardt, Ph.D.
機関： Oregon Health & Science University
Project title: Vitamin D as a Preventative Agent for Young Women’s Breast Cancer
Vitamin D is known for its anti-inflammatory and cancer-fighting properties. A 2022 Prevent Cancer Foundation-funded researcher, Dr. Sarah Bernhardt examined vitamin D and its impact on two different types of breast cancer: Postpartum breast cancer (PPBC)—an aggressive form of breast cancer diagnosed within 10 years of pregnancy and often with a poor survival rate—and breast cancer outside the postpartum period. Dr. Bernhardt’s study found that vitamin D can reduce the growth of tumors that develop outside of the postpartum window.
Additionally, the study showed that after giving birth, the liver goes through changes that impact the way vitamin D is metabolized. Dr. Bernhardt’s findings have implications for not only cancer prevention, but for broader treatment strategies for postpartum individuals.
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Lisa D. Yee, M.D.
機関： シティ・オブ・ホープのベックマン研究所
Project title: White Button Mushrooms and Breast Cancer Prevention
From avoiding smoking to staying active, there are many ways to reduce your risk of breast cancer. Diet also plays an important role in reducing one’s risk. That’s where button mushrooms—the most commonly consumed fungi in the U.S.—come into the conversation.
Dr. Lisa D. Yee, a 2022 Prevent Cancer Foundation-funded researcher, explored the potential benefits of button mushrooms for postmenopausal women who have obesity.
“Given the generally low, inconsistent uptake of increased exercise and dietary change as a prevention strategy, there is an urgent, unmet need for the development of novel lifestyle-based interventions that will enable safe and effective prevention of obesity-associated breast cancer,” says Dr. Yee.
こちらもご覧ください | Healthy mushroom quiche recipe
Button mushrooms have previously been found to slow the production of estrogen, as well as the male hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) that is produced by testosterone. Research has also found mushrooms to potentially support immune function, fight free-radicals and reduce inflammation in the immune cells, while also supporting gut health.
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Your continued support is helping us fund the next generation of breast cancer research. To learn more about Foundation-funded research across multiple cancer types, visit preventcancer.org/research.