Canada Launches $1M Breast Cancer Research Fellowship

Breast Cancer Canada, a prominent national charity focused on advancing breast cancer research, has introduced several new initiatives aimed at enhancing the understanding and treatment of breast cancer. Notably, these initiatives include the introduction of a $1 million fellowship program and three targeted research investments, funded with the support of AstraZeneca Canada and Breast Cancer Canada’s annual Precision Oncology Research Grants.

Kimberly Carson, CEO of Breast Cancer Canada, emphasized the importance of diversifying funding to stay aligned with the evolving landscape of breast cancer research. She highlighted the need to invest in the next generation of Canadian breast cancer specialists, collaborate with industry stakeholders to co-fund research grants, and continue financial support for precision oncology research. These strategic partnerships and targeted funding efforts aim to drive innovation and improve health outcomes for future breast cancer patients.

In response to the increasing early-age incidence of breast cancer and the growing demand for specialized oncology expertise, Breast Cancer Canada launched the Canadian Breast Cancer Clinical Scientist Fellowship Program. This program will receive a significant investment of $1 million to support the training, development, research, and care of the next generation of breast cancer specialists in Canada. Detailed information about the fellowship program and the application process will be provided by Breast Cancer Canada in the fall.

Additionally, Breast Cancer Canada, in collaboration with AstraZeneca Canada, announced a $200,000 call for grants to address equitable access to pre-surgery chemotherapy (neoadjuvant chemotherapy) and related patient outcomes. This co-sponsored grant, with each organization contributing $100,000, aims to support research that expands knowledge on pre-surgery therapy planning and its applications in Canada. Brian Seguin, Head of Breast Cancer at AstraZeneca Canada, expressed pride in AstraZeneca’s role in advancing breast cancer care and emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts to support leading-edge Canadian health outcomes research.

Applications for the NeoAdjuvant Equity and Outcomes Research Matching Grants are now being accepted until August 2, 2024. The unrestricted contributions from AstraZeneca Canada allow Breast Cancer Canada to strategically allocate funds under the comprehensive review of a Scientific Advisory Committee.

The Fellowship funding initiative and research partnership with AstraZeneca Canada build upon Breast Cancer Canada’s third annual Precision Oncology Research Grants program. This program invites breast cancer researchers from across Canada to submit projects for funding consideration. The selected projects undergo a rigorous peer review process and focus on four key areas of precision oncology research: basic science, screening and detection, personalized treatment, and patient-reported outcomes.

The grant recipients for Breast Cancer Canada research funding include Dr. David Lim from Women's College Hospital, Dr. Saima Hassan from the Centre de Recherche de Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, Dr. Lisa Porter from WE-SPARK Health Institute at the University of Windsor, Dr. Ives Levesque from McGill University, Dr. Rodney Ouelette from the Centre de Médecine de Précision du Nouveau Brunswick, Dr. Mark Vincent from London Health Sciences, Dr. Caroline Hamm from WE-SPARK Health Institute and Windsor Regional Hospital, and Dr. Edward Chow from Sunnybrook Research Institute.

Breast Cancer Canada remains committed to advancing breast cancer research, advocating for access to quality care, and amplifying the patient voice to improve the lives of those affected by breast cancer in Canada. Through strategic investments and collaborative partnerships, the organization aims to drive progress and ultimately end breast cancer.

Breast Cancer Canada is a national charity dedicated to saving lives through breast cancer research. With a focus on precision oncology, it is the only national breast cancer organization in Canada with a clear mandate to raise money for research, advocate, and educate on new research evidence. The organization relies entirely on donor generosity for funding, as it receives no government support.

AstraZeneca Canada is a global biopharmaceutical company committed to delivering innovative medicines to millions of patients worldwide, with a strong focus on oncology, cardiovascular, renal and metabolic diseases, rare diseases, respiratory and immunology, and vaccine and immune therapies. The company is dedicated to contributing to a sustainable future, addressing global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, health equity, and health system resilience.