The Importance of Breast Cancer Research
Throughout the course of 2024, it’s estimated that, in the US alone, “approximately 310,720 women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer, 16% of which will be in women younger than 50 years of age.” While this disease is more common in women — making up about 30% of newly diagnosed cancer cases among American women every year — it affects men, too, with an estimated 2,790 men newly diagnosed with breast cancer in the US in 2024.
The prevalence of breast cancer makes research into this specific type of cancer especially important. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the impact of breast cancer research and how you can help support these life-saving efforts.
Why Breast Cancer Research Matters
Breast cancer research is critical not only for saving lives but also for enhancing the quality of life for individuals affected by this disease. Ongoing research in the following areas, among others, provides transformative impacts for breast cancer patients and their loved ones — for both the present and the future.
Advancing Treatment Options
Breast cancer is a complex disease with multiple subtypes, each requiring tailored approaches. Research has significantly expanded the range of treatments available:
● Targeted therapies: These treatments, such as HER2 inhibitors, specifically attack cancer cells without harming healthy cells, reducing side effects compared to traditional chemotherapy.
● Immunotherapy: By leveraging the body's immune system, immunotherapy has shown promise in treating aggressive forms like triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC).
● Hormonal treatments: For hormone receptor-positive cancers, drugs like tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors block or lower hormone levels, preventing cancer growth and recurrence.
These breakthroughs have improved survival rates and given patients more treatment options than ever before. They evince the progress made in breast cancer research, as well as the potential for further improvement and novel therapies.
Early Detection and Prevention
Research has revolutionized early detection, enabling clinicians to identify breast cancer in its earliest and most treatable stages. Some advancements include:
● Improved screening tools: Technologies like digital mammography and 3D tomosynthesis provide clearer, more detailed images, leading to earlier and more accurate diagnoses.
● Genetic testing: Identifying genetic mutations, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, helps high-risk individuals take preventive measures, such as enhanced screening or preventive surgeries.
Early detection significantly increases survival rates, offering invaluable extra time and improved quality of life to many affected by breast cancer.
Understanding Metastasis
Metastatic breast cancer (MBC), or stage IV breast cancer, occurs when the disease spreads to other parts of the body, such as the bones, liver, or brain. Research focused on metastasis aims to:
● Uncover mechanisms of spread: Studies have identified molecular pathways and proteins involved in metastasis, paving the way for targeted interventions.
● Develop treatments for MBC: Clinical trials are testing drugs that halt the progression of metastatic tumors, offering hope to patients with advanced disease.
Since MBC is responsible for the majority of breast cancer-related deaths, research in this area is critical to reducing mortality rates.
Reducing Recurrence
Recurrence remains a major concern for breast cancer survivors. Even after successful treatment, cancer can return, sometimes years later. Research into recurrence has led to:
● Improved follow-up therapies: Extended use of hormonal therapies and drugs like bisphosphonates has shown to lower recurrence rates.
● Monitoring and biomarkers: Scientists are developing blood tests to detect circulating tumor cells or biomarkers that indicate a higher risk of recurrence.
By addressing the root causes of recurrence, research helps survivors lead longer, healthier lives.
Enhancing Quality of Life
The side effects of breast cancer treatment can take a toll on patients physically and emotionally. Research is focused on minimizing these burdens via:
● Supportive care innovations: Studies on managing side effects like fatigue, neuropathy, and lymphedema improve the daily lives of patients.
● Psychological support: Research highlights the importance of mental health care for breast cancer patients, leading to integrated treatment plans that address emotional well-being.
Closing Gaps in Health Equity
Breast cancer research also plays a vital role in addressing disparities in diagnosis and treatment. Marginalized communities often face higher mortality rates due to late-stage diagnosis or lack of access to care. Ongoing research into social determinants of health is leading to:
● Community outreach programs: Efforts to increase awareness and screening in underserved populations.
● Tailored interventions: Studies focused on diverse populations ensure that treatments are effective across different genetic and demographic groups.
Contributing to Broader Cancer Research
Research on breast cancer frequently contributes to advancements in other types of cancer. For instance, discoveries in immunotherapy and genetic research for breast cancer have influenced treatments for melanoma, lung cancer, and others. This ripple effect shows how continued investment in breast cancer research supports individuals both directly and indirectly, creating impact that can be felt even beyond the expected.
Breast cancer research is not just about extending survival rates; it’s about giving people their lives back, free from the fear of recurrence or the burden of treatment side effects. Every breakthrough brings us closer to a future where breast cancer is no longer a life-threatening disease.
Funding for Breast Cancer Research
Funding for breast cancer research often comes from a mix of government grants, private foundations, corporate sponsorships, and individual donors. Here at Twisted Pink, we are dedicated to advancing breast cancer research, particularly in the field of metastatic breast cancer. By focusing our funding on bold breakthroughs and collaborating with leading researchers, we ensure that every dollar raised contributes directly to the fight against this devastating disease.
Since our inception, Twisted Pink has funded several significant research projects, including:
● 2023: In collaboration with Conquer Cancer, Twisted Pink awarded the Metastatic Breast Cancer Impact Award to Dr. Ashley Schreier for her study on immunotherapies targeting metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (mTNBC). This two-year, $200,000 grant supports a phase II clinical trial exploring a combination checkpoint inhibitor regimen aimed at improving survival outcomes in mTNBC patients.
● 2022: A $200,000 grant was provided to Dr. Andrew Ewald at Johns Hopkins University to support research on defining and targeting the epigenetic changes that promote breast cancer metastasis.
● 2019/2020: Twisted Pink allocated $200,000 to Dr. Ewald for his research on strategies to promote innate immune targeting of breast cancer metastasis.
How You Can Support Breast Cancer Research
Advancements in breast cancer research are made possible through the generosity of donors. By supporting organizations like Twisted Pink, you contribute to the development of new treatments and the hope for a cure.
Donate today to fund critical breast cancer research. Together, we can make a difference in the fight against breast cancer.
Twisted Pink provides hope and connection to people living with metastatic breast cancer by funding bold breakthroughs in research and awareness of the disease. We regularly fund key research projects, run patient programs to support those affected by breast cancer, and provide critical resources and information for metastatic breast cancer patients. Shop our merch to spread awareness and support our cause, or donate today to make a direct impact and help us change the course of people’s lives.
