Research into sub-types of breast cancer, imaging and new targeted therapies are becoming increasingly important, attendees at the Australia New Zealand Breast Cancer Trials Group (ANZBCTG) Annual Scientific Meeting were told.
BCAC committee member Moana Papa attended the meeting in Tasmainia recently, as one of three breast cancer consumers through the IMPACT programme (Improving Participation and Advocacy for Clinical Trials).
Moana says she felt privileged to attend the conference, which updates medical practitioners on the latest in breast cancer research.
“I found the whole experience very worthwhile and it was heartening to see the enthusiasm and dedication of researchers, medical professionals and organisations progressing research and clinical trials in Australia and New Zealand, with a view to helping those diagnosed with breast cancer to better outcomes (including reducing the impact of therapies on quality of life),” she says.
Moana says the international guest speakers were inspiring. She was particularly impressed by Professor Nancy Davidson, the director of the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute.
Professor Davidson is known worldwide for her research in epigenetics and breast cancer. Her general thoughts on breast cancer research were that advances in identifying subtypes of breast cancer, imaging, specimens and new targeted therapies were increasingly important.
Professor Davidson says “advocates are key” and should be part of steering committees. Advocates could also play a part in promoting the importance of clinical trials through preparing literature, asking the right scientific questions and ensuring research it is not just from one single source.
Also speaking was Professor Allison Kurian, an Assistant Professor of Medicine, Health Research and Policy at Stanford University’s School of Medicine. Her research focuses on identifying women with elevated breast and ovarian cancer risk and she is working towards developing novel techniques for early cancer detection and risk reduction, primarily through a decision tool for women with BRCA 1 & 2 mutations.
Moana says she found these sessions a valuable part of the meeting. “It was a great way to recap the prior scientific session and to ask questions regarding research presentations. I was impressed with the breadth of their knowledge and their ability to explain complex ideas in simple terms.”
She says she’d encourage those passionate about Breast Cancer research and clinical trials to attend the IMPACT Advocate Program.
Click here for a more detailed report on the ANBCTG Annual Conference.
