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Since breast cancer survivors (or consumers) are the primary focus of breast cancer research, they should become involved in the research process beyond their own participation as subjects. With this in mind, NBCCF created Project LEAD, to prepare consumers to bring their informed perspectives to the research process.
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One of the most productive examples of this approach is the Department of Defense Breast Cancer Research Program. "The DOD program provided an unprecedented opportunity for breast cancer consumers to collaborate with scientists," said NBCCF president Fran Visco. "We created Project LEAD to provide advocates the scientific background to do this work."
The 53 participants in the upcoming Project LEAD Institute represent 22 states plus the District of Columbia; Canada; and the U.K. Three are from Colorado. The five day curriculum includes lectures and study sessions on the molecular biology of cancer, genetics, epidemiology of cancer, research design, and critical appraisal of the scientific literature, as well as a field trip to the University of Colorado Cancer Center to learn about significant research firsthand.
LEAD graduate Vicki Tosher of Denver finds that the program "provides an excellent foundation for understanding the science of breast cancer." Tosher, an NBCC board member, has served on several scientific panels: twice as a consumer reviewer for the Department of Defense Breast Cancer Research Program and for the California Breast Cancer Research Program. The founder of the Colorado-based organization, Sense of Security, Tosher is a member of the Colorado Community Institutional Review Board for the Colorado Cancer Research Program.
The faculty for Project LEAD includes renowned scientists from academic and research institutions such as the National Cancer Institute, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center/Harvard University, the University of North Carolina, Emory University, and MD Anderson Cancer Center.
The National Breast Cancer Coalition is a grassroots membership organization dedicated to ending breast cancer through the power of action and advocacy. Along with its research and education arm, the National Breast Cancer Coalition Fund, the Coalition's main goals are to increase federal funding for breast cancer research; improve access to high-quality health care and breast cancer clinical trials for all women; and expand the influence of breast cancer advocates wherever breast cancer decisions are made. Please visit www.stopbreastcancer.org for more information.
NBCCF acknowledges the generous and innovative support of the Avon Foundation, Project LEAD's primary sponsor for the past 11 years.
SOURCE National Breast Cancer Coalition Fund
