The American Cancer Society (ACS) is involved in the fight against breast cancer in many areas. Through its extramural research grants program, as of March 1, 2009 the Society was funding 218 research projects being conducted by an elite group of scientists. These projects were chosen through a rigorous peer review and selection process and all of them relate to breast cancer. This funding amounts to $118.1 million research dollars. (Most of these projects extend over several years.) A few areas of research now being investigated by American Cancer Society grantees are:

• the role of insurance and government policies in breast cancer screening among low-income women
• the psychological factors in chemotherapy-related fatigue
• the use of DNA microchips to identify genes involved in breast cancer development and progression
• how diet interacts with genetics to influence breast cancer risk
• the development of mouse models with human breast cancer genes to test drugs
• the mechanism of action of a new breast cancer therapeutic vaccine
• how an estrogen receptor-positive tumor becomes estrogen receptor-negative
• the quality of life of younger breast cancer survivors
• the possible effects of certain breast cancer treatments on thinking and memory
• more than $2.5 million has been dedicated to a consortium of 5 researchers who are studying the natural history, causes, and treatment of lymphedema which is a possible consequence of breast cancer treatment
• 23 grants totaling about $20 million address ways to decrease cancer disparities

The Society also conducts in-house, population-based studies of breast cancer and performs surveillance research to monitor long-term trends and statistics. Using information collected from more than 600,000 women in the Cancer Prevention Study II (CPS II), American Cancer Society scientists have studied how the risk of death from breast cancer is influenced by many factors, including diethylstilbestrol (DES), estrogen replacement therapy, a family history of cancer, smoking, postmenopausal obesity, and spontaneous abortion. ACS scientists have studied the influence of mammography on breast cancer prognostic factors, conducted long-term follow-up of major breast cancer screening studies, and recommended breast cancer surveillance strategies that can be applied at local and national levels.

In addition, the ACS Behavioral Research Center is conducting a Study of Cancer Survivors (SCS) to examine the factors tied to a good quality of life after a breast cancer diagnosis. Specific areas of interest include identifying the unmet needs of cancer survivors, the use of complementary and alternative therapies, and the needs of minority women with breast cancer.

The Society has a strong advocacy program through which it works with other organizations, such as the National Breast Cancer Coalition and Susan G. Komen for the Cure. The goal is to speak with one voice about the importance of increased government funding for breast cancer research, access to screening and quality treatment and care for all women, protection from discrimination for women who may have a genetic predisposition for breast cancer, and concerns of breast cancer patients and survivors. Collaborative relationships and partnerships accomplish goals greater than those that could be achieved individually.

The American Cancer Society also devotes significant resources to the education of the public and health care professionals. Public outreach and educational partnerships with organizations such as the National Education Association and AARP encourage more women to take advantage of mammography, clinical breast exams, and breast self-awareness, and provide comprehensive information on all aspects of breast cancer. Training grant support ensures a supply of highly-qualified physicians, nurses, and social workers with expertise in all cancer disease areas.

Last Medical Review: 03/30/2009
Last Revised: 03/30/2009