[December 10, 2014]

Susan G. Komen Brinker Awardees for Scientific Distinction Deliver Lectures; Honored Today at San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium

A cancer cell biologist from Harvard Medical School in Boston and a breast cancer endocrinologist from the Royal Marsden Hospital and Institute of Cancer Research in London are being honored today at the 37^th annual San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium as this year's recipients of the prestigious Susan G. Komen® Brinker Awards for Scientific Distinction.

The Brinker Awards for Scientific Distinction were established in 1992 to recognize the efforts of pioneers in two critically important areas of the fight to end breast cancer: Clinical Research and Basic Science.

This year's Basic Science award will be presented to Joan S. Brugge, Ph.D., Louise Foote Pfeiffer Professor of Cell Biology, Director of the Ludwig Center at Harvard Medical School and Komen Scholar. Mitch Dowsett, Ph.D., F. Med. Sci., Head of the Academic Department of Biochemistry at the Royal Marsden Hospital, Professor of Biochemical Endocrinology, and Head of the Center for Molecular Pathology at the Royal Marsden Hospital and Institute of Cancer Research in London will receive the Clinical Research award. The two winners will also deliver keynote lectures this afternoon at the San Antonio conference.

Brugge is being recognized for her significant contributions to breast cancer research, which have been essential in advancing our understanding of the molecular and cell biology of breast cancer. Her work has resulted in critical insights into the cellular processes and pathways that are involved in the normal development of breast cells, as well as breast cancer initiation, progression, and response to therapy.

Dowsett is being recognized for seminal contributions in understanding the hormonal basis of estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer, and translating this knowledge to the clinic in order to improve the efficacy of treatment and prevention of breast cancer. His translational approach to studying the endocrine aspects of breast cancer and biomarkers for breast cancer prognosis and treatment has led to the implementation of key treatments and identification of tumor markers that have advanced breast cancer care.

Komen has invested more than $847 million in breast cancer research since opening its doors in 1982, and is the largest nonprofit funder of breast cancer research outside of the U.S. government, currently funding more than 400 research grants worldwide.

About Susan G. Komen ®

Susan G. Komen is the world's largest breast cancer organization, funding more breast cancer research than any other nonprofit while providing real-time help to those facing the disease. Since its founding in 1982, Komen has funded more than $847 million in research and provided $1.8 billion in funding to screening, education, treatment and psychosocial support programs serving millions of people in more than 30 countries worldwide. Komen was founded by Nancy G. Brinker, who promised her sister, Susan G. Komen, that she would end the disease that claimed Suzy's life. Visit komen.org or call 1-877 GO KOMEN. Connect with us on Facebook (News - Alert) at facebook.com/susangkomen and Twitter (News - Alert) @SusanGKomen.

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