DMH sends Millikin University's Lori Kerans to the Scientific Peer Review for the Department of Defense's Breast Cancer Research Program

Decatur, IL – August 15, 2007 - Breast cancer advocate Lori Ann Kerans, Athletic Director and Head Women’s Basketball Coach, Millikin University, Decatur, IL recently participated in the evaluation of research proposals submitted to the Breast Cancer Research Program (BCRP) sponsored by the Department of Defense.

Kerans was nominated for participation in the program by James L. Wade, M.D., Medical Director, DMH Cancer Care Institute. As a consumer reviewer, Kerans was a full voting member, along with prominent scientists at meetings to determine how the Congress’ FY07 appropriation of $127.5 million will be spent on future breast cancer research.

Consumer reviewers are asked to represent the collective view of breast cancer survivors and patients, family members, and persons at risk for the disease, when they prepare comments on the impact of the research on issues such as disease prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, and quality of life after treatment. Kerans was one of 119 consumer advocates who participated in the July and August 2007 peer review meetings and provided comments and scores for research proposals.

“The Department of Defense’s BCRP experience of working with some of the most prominent scientists in the country, has allowed me to better understand and appreciate the important role of research to find a cure for breast and other types of cancers,” Kerans said. “It was with great respect and admiration that I could participate (for the fourth year) in Virginia with the world’s most passionate researchers who, I believe, WILL be successful in finding a cure and the eradication of cancer!”

Consumer advocates and scientists have worked together in this unique partnership to evaluate the scientific merit of breast cancer research proposals since 1995. To date, more than 1000 consumer reviewers have served on breast cancer panels alongside scientists in the review process. Colonel Janet R. Harris, Director of the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs, expressed her appreciation for the consumer advocates’ perspective in the scientific review sessions.

“They have provided valuable insight into funding decisions and helped the scientists understand the consumers’ perspective of innovative research,” Harris said. “Likewise, the consumer advocates have been enriched by learning more about breast cancer through discussing proposed research with scientists and seeing the future hopes of successful research.”

More than 1,300 breast cancer research proposals are being reviewed over a three month span. Scientists applying propose to conduct innovative multidisciplinary breast cancer research aimed at the elimination of breast cancer. Proposals were solicited across all disciplines, including basic, clinical, social, and psychosocial sciences, as well as public health, economics, quality of life, alternative therapies, occupational health, nursing research, and environmental concerns.

	SEARCH