RESEARCH

Research into breast cancer like all forms of the disease is conducted in a variety of ways. It includes:

Basic, or "laboratory" research to understand the fundamental properties of normal and malignant cells and how they react to drugs, radiation and other forms of treatment; genes, hormones and proteins; and elements of cancer including metastasis (the migration or spreading of cancer cells) and angiogenesis (the formation of blood vessels which nourish tumors);

Clinical research, also called "clinical trials" the application of new therapies, preventive tools or other interventions to understand the toxicity of new treatments; to improve quality and/or quantity of life of cancer patients; and to reduce the risk of nondiagnosed individuals; Translational research, which bridges the two distinct areas of basic and clinical research. Its goal is to bring science and medicine together to bring about faster applications of ideas and the better understanding of the disease and the effectiveness of therapies among humans;

Behavioral and communications research to engender a better understanding of humans’ rationale for decision making relating to screening, prevention, detection, treatment and followup care; and Epidemiological research, which studies cancer incidence and mortality to better ascertain risk and genetics, ethnicity, lifestyle, the environment and other factors.

While much is known about breast cancer, research continues to provide more clarity into whom develops breast cancer and why as well as variations in outcomes for persons diagnosed with the disease.

Komen Research Grants