NZ’s First Breast Cancer Research Professor

Auckland 8 November 2007

BCAC Congratulates NZ’s First Breast Cancer Research Professor

The Breast Cancer Aotearoa Coalition (BCAC) congratulates Professor Peter Lobie, the recipient of the first professorial Chair of Breast Cancer Research at The University of Auckland. The Chair, funded by a grant from BCAC member group the Breast Cancer Research Trust (BCRT), will enable a team of researchers to expand their research into breast cancer, leading to treatments and even prevention of a disease that claims the lives of over 600 New Zealand women every year.

Professor Lobie is currently researching growth hormones in cancer, in particular the pathways used by cancer at a cellular level and the ways in which tumour cell hormones differ from normal hormones in the body.

The BCRT funding will extend the research being undertaken by Professor Lobie’s team at the Liggins Institute and other researchers at The University of Auckland. BCRT hopes the establishment of a ‘centre of excellence’ for breast cancer research at the University will take researchers closer to their goal of ‘finding a cure for breast cancer in our lifetime.’

‘On behalf of all our members, we commend BCRT for their support of this valuable position,’ said BCAC’s Sue Guthrie, ‘and we congratulate Professor Lobie on his appointment. Professor Lobie’s ground-breaking work provides a beacon of hope for NZ women and men diagnosed with breast cancer and for all New Zealanders working towards a cure for this disease.’

About the Breast Cancer Aotearoa Coalition www.breastcancer.org.nz

The Breast Cancer Aotearoa Coalition (BCAC) is an Incorporated Society with charitable status, presenting a unified voice to call for change, improvement and innovation on behalf of all New Zealand women experiencing breast cancer. BCAC was formed in November, 2004 when twelve New Zealand breast cancer organisations came together at a forum to create one group.

BCAC now has twenty-three member organisations and is currently working on five major initiatives: to ensure consistent, high quality detection and treatment of breast cancer throughout New Zealand by promoting the development and implementation of evidence-based best practice guidelines;

to support the prompt and effective implementation of the extended age breast-screening programme (45 to 69); to inform and advocate for improved access to breast cancer treatment drugs;

to research and promote the provision of professional psychosocial services for breast cancer patients and their whanau, family, friends and supporters; to identify and promote breast cancer issues for Māori and Pacific Island women

ENDS

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