The California Breast Cancer Research Program will host From Research to Action: Tools for Change, a symposium for breast cancer researchers, advocates, survivors and the interested public, Sept. 24 and 25 at the Oakland Marriott and Convention Center. Attendees from around the state will discuss the latest research results and other groundbreaking topics in breast cancer research. The California Breast Cancer Research Program is administered by the University of California Office of the President on behalf of the state of California. Registration is free, and the event is open to everyone, regardless of scientific background. Continuing medical education credits are available for nurses and physicians.

“The symposium is an opportunity for people who are affected by breast cancer to meet with experts who are working on ways to end the disease,” said Dr. Mhel Kavanaugh-Lynch, director of the California Breast Cancer Research Program (CBCRP). “We have many exciting developments to share, particularly in the ways that we’re reshaping research and filling gaps in our understanding of disparities and environmental impacts on breast cancer risk.”

Two plenary sessions will highlight some of the significant advances in breast cancer research funded by the CBCRP. “Making Chemical Testing Relevant to Breast Cancer: The California Breast Cancer and Chemicals Policy Project” will focus on the expert panel’s recommendations for improving chemical toxicity screenings for relevance to breast cancer and the potential impact on California and federal policies. “Tools for Expanding the Research Paradigm” will focus on projects that are developing new ways of conducting research and the ways in which those tools are enabling major advances in breast cancer prevention, detection and treatment.

Several sessions will focus on vital research topics such as treatment; disparities; chemical exposures; translational projects that focus on moving results into clinical practice; and issues faced by survivors, immigrant populations, Latinas and nail salon workers.

Keynote speaker Angela Padilla will detail the role of advocacy in driving the breast cancer research agenda. Padilla is a noted activist and co-founder of Bay Area Young Survivors, a support and action group for women age 45 and under who are living with breast cancer.

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