DALLAS – June 30, 2021 – Susan G. Komen®, the world’s leading breast cancer organization, today announced the awarding of a new grant to Rulla Tamimi, Sc.D., M.S., at the Joan & Sanford I. Weill Medical College of Cornell University. Dr. Tamimi, who was recently named a Komen Scholar, will use the funds for the study of the impact of insulin-suppressing diets on breast cancer risk, response to treatment and overall survival. This grant is part of Komen’s $14 million in new grants overall to support the organization’s mission to end breast cancer through funding two key focus areas: research to better detect and treat stage IV (metastatic) breast cancer and research to eliminate disparities in breast cancer outcomes.
“We are extremely proud to be able to continue our legacy of leading investments in breast cancer research, especially in light of the challenges all nonprofits faced raising funds during this pandemic year,” said Paula Schneider, president and CEO of Susan G. Komen and a breast cancer survivor. “This investment reinforces our commitment to funding innovative science from some of the leading minds in breast cancer research while also developing the next generation of scientists at a time when we have never needed them more.”
With our research grant funding overall, we are focused on:
- Supporting leaders in the field of breast cancer research
- Build the next generation of breast cancer researchers to lead the field
- Improving how we detect, prevent and treat metastatic breast cancer, and
- Addressing disparities in breast cancer care and outcomes.
Rulla Tamimi, Sc.D., M.S., will use patient samples and breast cancer outcome data from the Nurse’s Health Study and ongoing dietary intervention studies to better understand the impact insulin-suppressing diets have on breast cancer risk, response to treatment and overall survival. The goal of this study is to determine if insulin-suppressing diets, such as low carbohydrate or ketogenic diets, can serve as a preventive measure against breast cancer.
Komen has now invested about $1.1 billion in research in the nearly 40 years since its founding, the largest collective investment of any breast cancer nonprofit, and second only to the U.S. government.
Visit komen.org for a full list of this year’s research grants.
About Susan G. Komen®
Susan G. Komen® is the world’s leading nonprofit breast cancer organization, working to save lives and end breast cancer forever. Komen has an unmatched, comprehensive 360-degree approach to fighting this disease across all fronts and supporting millions of people in the U.S. and in countries worldwide. We advocate for patients, drive research breakthroughs, improve access to high-quality care, offer direct patient support and empower people with trustworthy information. Founded by Nancy G. Brinker, who promised her sister, Susan G. Komen, that she would end the disease that claimed Suzy’s life, Komen remains committed to supporting those affected by breast cancer today, while tirelessly searching for tomorrow’s cures. Visit www.komen.org or call 1-877 GO KOMEN. Connect with us on social media at www.komen.org/contact-us/follow-us/.
This story originally appeared in The Komen Blog.
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