Facts & Answers:
FAQ for Friends For An Earlier Breast Cancer Test
Friends for an Earlier Breast Cancer Test is specifically focused on only one critical issue for breast cancer...identifying a biological test to detect breast cancer at its earliest stages, possibly before a tumor has even formed.
This biological test may include a blood test, a urine test, a saliva test, etc. It would be a non-invasive test, which would identify a marker generated by the body, which would be a red flag for the medical community to indicate that there is the presence of breast cancer. With this type of breast cancer test, any and every aged person, male and female could be easily screened on a routine basis. A biological test would be able to identify the presence of breast cancer far earlier than the technology, which is now available because it would exclude the multiple variables that must be dealt with at this time. It would be the gold standard for cancer screening and early detection.
Yes, there is a great deal of breast cancer research already being conducted. Much of the existing research involves the understanding of how a cancer cell works and/or is directed towards finding a cure. All of this is wonderful research. Yet, it is the position of Friends that as this work is continuing, there is a critical need to intercept and identify earlier breast cancer detection. Considering that most breast cancer is in the body five to eight years before it can ever be imaged tells us that we have a significant window of opportunity to take action earlier.
How does your organization select the recipients of the grant money?
Friends has a group of leading surgeons, oncologists and researchers who volunteer their time to form our
Medical Advisory Committee. These dedicated professionals review submitted research proposals for scientific validity and then to make certain that the proposed projects are in keeping with the mission of the organization. Upon the recommendation of this Committee, the Board of Directors then approves the distribution of funding.
This focused work is being addressed and/or conducted by select scientists and researchers throughout the world. It is the goal of
Friends to provide these individuals with medical research funding, as appropriate. Funding the work of multiple researchers affords scientists the opportunity to explore new ideas, therefore launching new ways of thinking and innovative ways of looking at breast cancer detection. In addition,
Friends must meet the challenge of generating interest among researchers to attract them
to this mission.
Furthermore, it is important to note that
Friends awards
grants for cancer research in the form of a seed money grant to
researchers and scientists as
individuals, NOT to institutions. This maximizes each and every dollar in two ways:
a. Funding a researcher as opposed to an institution allows the researcher to "own" his or her work, therefore, allowing them to take that work with them if they move to another institution or place of employment.
b. Friends does not fund any "indirect" research costs. Most institutions require that a portion or percentage of funding received via an institutional grant be reserved for administrative costs. Given the $40,000 amount of the seed grant, Friends aims to use its research dollars in the most effective manner possible, so we fund only the individual researcher themselves.
What would your organization do if a test was identified tomorrow?
Our goal is to work ourselves out of business. When a test is identified, we will close up shop! We do not need to duplicate good work that is already being done. Friends has one and only one objective so there is no confusion about our goal; identifying a biological test for breast cancer. It is a goal that can be achieved. It will change the picture of breast cancer forever.
How will an earlier biological test change breast cancer?
An earlier biological test will raise a red flag that breast cancer is in the body - possibly before a tumor has even formed. Patients would then be able to begin treatment on a far earlier timeline than is available now. Surgery could be minimized, if not eliminated and the damage that cancer does to the body could be minimized as well. Treatments are constantly improving, so new approaches could be employed on an ongoing basis.
How would this test help breast cancer survivors?
A dependable biological test would allow a breast cancer survivor and his/her medical team to rest assured that they would be quickly aware if a recurrence occurred. Action could then be initiated quickly. Imagine the relief that this would provide!
Friends for an Earlier Breast Cancer Test
P.O. Box 29524
Greensboro, NC 27429-9524
(336) 286-6620