WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Frank Pallone (NJ-6) today announced a grant award through the National Institutes of Health to Rutgers University to provide over $351,000 for cancer research. The grant will support research designed to develop an understanding of what makes certain faulty genes lead to the development of breast cancer. A better understanding of these genes could lead to treatments that are minimally invasive, yet effective in preventing the onset of cancer.
“As technologies and science improve and progress, our commitment to cancer prevention must be strengthened as well,” said Congressman Pallone. “This grant, which I am pleased was awarded to Rutgers, brings us one step closer to preventing breast cancer and is a prime example of the commitment that is necessary in this fight.”
The research will attempt to better understand the link between faulty BRCA1 and BRCA 2 genes and the development of cancerous tumors. Mutations in these genes account for approximately 5-10% of all breast cancers developed in the world. Those carrying the mutated BRCA1 gene are at a nearly 80% lifetime risk of developing breast cancer and a nearly 40% risk of developing ovarian cancer.
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