The donation to Prevent Breast Cancer this year will fund Prevent’s research into breast density, the second-highest risk factor for developing breast cancer, after age. Having a high level of breast density can lead to cancer going undetected on a mammogram and also increases individual risk of developing the disease. Although women who are affected are up to six times more likely to face a diagnosis of breast cancer, little is understood about why this is.
Prevent Breast Cancer trustee, Diana Harris, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in her 40s, said: “Having gone through breast cancer myself, I joined the board of trustees at Prevent because I was drawn to its focus on finding ways to create a future free from breast cancer – I have two daughters, and I never want them to experience what I went through. Despite it being such a strong risk factor, there has been relatively little research into breast density. It can help predict which women are more at risk of developing breast cancer, so if Prevent can find new treatments that can stop cancers from forming, fewer women will have to go through what I faced.”
The funding from The Tim Bacon Foundation will be going towards two research projects, based at the University of Manchester. Both projects aim to help scientists better understand this risk factor to protect future generations from the disease. One project examines both high- and low-density breast tissue from women who are undergoing surgery, and the other investigates the specific changes to DNA that lead to cancer developing.
The two projects funded by The Tim Bacon Foundation will pave the way for further discoveries which could improve the screening process for breast cancer and lead to new avenues for prevention of the disease, such as the development of drugs to reduce breast density levels.
By teaming up with the Tim Bacon Foundation, Prevent Breast Cancer hopes to increase awareness about breast density as a risk factor for developing the disease. As part of the partnership, the charities will be hosting The donation to Prevent Breast Cancer this year will fund Prevent’s research into breast density, the second-highest risk factor for developing breast cancer, after age. Having a high level of breast density can lead to cancer going undetected on a mammogram and also increases individual risk of developing the disease. Although women who are affected are up to six times more likely to face a diagnosis of breast cancer, little is understood about why this is.
Prevent Breast Cancer trustee, Diana Harris, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in her 40s, said: “Having gone through breast cancer myself, I joined the board of trustees at Prevent because I was drawn to its focus on finding ways to create a future free from breast cancer – I have two daughters, and I never want them to experience what I went through. Despite it being such a strong risk factor, there has been relatively little research into breast density. It can help predict which women are more at risk of developing breast cancer, so if Prevent can find new treatments that can stop cancers from forming, fewer women will have to go through what I faced.”
The funding from The Tim Bacon Foundation will be going towards two research projects, based at the University of Manchester. Both projects aim to help scientists better understand this risk factor to protect future generations from the disease. One project examines both high- and low-density breast tissue from women who are undergoing surgery, and the other investigates the specific changes to DNA that lead to cancer developing.
The two projects funded by The Tim Bacon Foundation will pave the way for further discoveries which could improve the screening process for breast cancer and lead to new avenues for prevention of the disease, such as the development of drugs to reduce breast density levels.
By teaming up with the Tim Bacon Foundation, Prevent Breast Cancer hopes to increase awareness about breast density as a risk factor for developing the disease. As part of the partnership, the charities will
Prevent Breast Cancer do incredible
joint events over the course of the year, as well as collaborating on online content.
Jeremy Roberts, chair of the Foundation, said: “Tim was always vibrant, inspiring and generous. He faced his personal battle with cancer with the exact same courage and strength that he carried with him throughout his life. I am inspired by him every day, and I wanted to ensure that his spirit was not forgotten. The Tim Bacon Foundation aims to help charities who have research projects that make a real difference and who offer help and support for anyone that has been affected by cancer .
“Prevent Breast Cancer do incredible work, funding ground-breaking research into the prediction and prevention of the disease. Our donation will be directly funding the research into breast density, one of the biggest predictors for breast cancer. It’s amazing that there is such a substantial gap in research in order to help prevent the disease for future generations.”
Nikki Barraclough, executive director at Prevent Breast Cancer, said: “Tim’s story is so inspiring, and the Tim Bacon Foundation is truly keeping his legacy alive by offering an incredible level of support to charities that help those who have been affected by cancer. We are excited to be partnering with a fellow Manchester-based charity that we can work together with to make a difference. By supporting our ground-breaking research, The Tim Bacon Foundation will be helping us change lives.
“Despite breast density being a key risk factor for developing breast cancer, there’s been little research into why that is – the generous donation from the Tim Bacon Foundation will be funding two key research projects to give a better understanding into breast density.
“We’ll also be hosting some exciting joint events over the next year, so keep an eye out for what we have planned!”
For more information on Why Breast Density Matters go here