Avon Foundation awards $2.785M grant for research and education.(breast cancer )

2002 NOV 7 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- To encourage and promote breast cancer research and education, particularly among young investigators in underserved countries, the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) has been awarded a $2.785 million grant from the Avon Foundation.

The grant also will promote survivor advocates from selected countries, matching prominent scientists with advocates to help further their knowledge about the prevention, detection, and treatment of cancer.

"We are thrilled that the Avon Foundation and AACR have formed a partnership to provide opportunities for professional and educational development to young scientists from medically underserved regions of the world," said Margaret Foti, PhD, AACR. "At the same time, helping survivor advocacy groups in places such as Eastern Europe, Latin America, and Asia - particularly China and Korea - will help spur the growth of needed anticancer programs in other parts of the world."

Funds for the Avon-AACR Global Collaborative in Breast Cancer Research and Education are coming from the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade, whose mission "is funding access to care and finding a cure for breast cancer." Avon announced awarding a total of 13 grants, including the one to AACR, to fund a comprehensive range of programs at leading public health agencies, national cancer centers and community-based organizations.

"According to the 2002 Avon Women's Health Survey, women continue to report breast cancer as a critical health concern," said Andrea Jung, Avon Products, Inc. "While great progress has been made, there remains a great need for breast cancer funding, and we are proud to play our part as a company committed to women."

As outlined in its proposal, the AACR grant will be used for the following programs:

* Avon-AACR International Scholars in Breast Cancer Research.