Breast Cancer Research Prospers with Taxpayer Contributions
Tax check-off contributions fund studies in breast cancer prevention, detection, and treatment
March 22, 2006—Oakland, CA—California taxpayers have the opportunity to play an important role in breast cancer research by adding a contribution to the California Breast Cancer Research Fund on line 57 of the State Income Tax Form 540. Contributions to this fund are automatically tax deductible and go directly to the California Breast Cancer Research Program (CBCRP), one of the largest breast cancer research funding agencies in the U.S. The CBCRP has awarded over $164 million to California researchers who focus on innovative methods of preventing, detecting, and treating breast cancer.
Line 57 contributions support unique studies, such as looking for links between environmental factors and the risk of developing breast cancer; finding ways to prevent breast cancer using natural agents like broccoli and mushrooms; and improving ways to live well after a breast cancer diagnosis. Examples of research funded by Line 57 contributions include:
- Dr. Shiuan Chen (Beckman Research Institute at the City of Hope) is studying whether an extract of white button mushrooms can reliably and safely lower a woman’s breast cancer risk by blocking aromatase, an enzyme that controls estrogen production.
- Dr. Stanley Rockson and his team (Stanford University) are studying lymphedema—the chronic, painful arm swelling and mobility loss that develops in up to 25 percent of breast cancer survivors—to understand why it occurs and who has the highest risk for developing this debilitating side effect.
“If every Californian gave even one dollar, our ability to fund dynamic research would double,” says Mhel Kavanaugh-Lynch, M.D., M.P.H., Director of the California Breast Cancer Research Program.
More information about tax check-off contributions can be found at www.endbreastcancer.org.
About the CBCRP
The mission of the California Breast Cancer Research Program is to eliminate
breast cancer by leading innovation in research, communication, and collaboration
in the California scientific and lay communities. Created by the State Legislature
in 1993, the California Breast Cancer Research Program (CBCRP) is the largest
state-funded breast cancer research program in the nation and is administered
by the University of California, Office of the President. To date, the CBCRP
has awarded 672 grants to 73 scientific institutions and community entities,
totaling more than $164 million for research in California to prevent, treat,
and cure breast cancer. Grants from the CBCRP fill gaps not traditionally
funded by other research programs to jump-start new areas of investigation
that push the boundaries of research and foster new collaborations. The
CBCRP is funded through the voluntary tax check-off program on personal
income tax form 540, a portion of the state tobacco tax, and individual
contributions; 95 percent of all funds go to research and education. For
more information call 888 313-2277, or visit www.CABreastCancer.org.
