Breast cancer awareness advocate Darlene Smith recently participated in the evaluation of research proposals submitted to the Breast Cancer Research Program (BCRP) sponsored by the Department of Defense. Darlene Smith was nominated for participation in the program by The Chattanooga Affiliate of the Breast Cancer Network of Strength. As a consumer reviewer, she was a full voting member, along with prominent scientists, at meetings to determine how the $150 million appropriated by Congress for Fiscal Year 2009 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. Darlene Smith was one of 120 consumer advocates who have participated in the FY09 peer review meetings and provided comments and scores for research proposals.
Executive Director Lynda LeVan said, “Breast Cancer Network of Strength was pleased to nominate Darlene for this important role in reviewing breast cancer research grant applications. Darlene is an active breast cancer advocate in Chattanooga and has learned first hand a great deal about the disease and current treatment options from her own battle. As part of our efforts to advocate for breast cancer patients in the community, we encourage survivors to take on roles such as consumer reviewers to help those in the future who will also face the disease”.
Commenting on her role as a consumer reviewer, Darlene said, “I felt that I was able to be a voice, not just for myself but for all those impacted by breast cancer and all those who love them. I attempted to provide input as to what is important not only to me but to all survivors and their families. The thoughts and opinions that I provided were respected and valued during the meetings. I was greatly encouraged by the dedication of the scientific community.”
“Great strides have been made in the fight against breast cancer; however we are still losing too many too soon. We must continue to fund new and innovative research projects. During the last day of the meeting I was notified that a family member passed away after 17 years of fighting this disease. We must resolve to continue to push for innovative research and to continue the fight against breast 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 630 consumer reviewers have served on breast cancer panels alongside scientists in the review process. Captain E. Melissa Kaime, M.D., 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. 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.”
Nearly 1800 breast cancer research proposals have been reviewed for 2009 fiscal year funds. Scientists applying propose to conduct innovative 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.
More information about the Department of Defense Breast Cancer Research Program is available at the Website: http://cdmrp.army.mil.