Grant: Operating Grant - Priority Announcement: Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer death in Canadian women. The origins of this disease in women may be linked to the profound changes that occur during pubertal breast development early in life. Currently, our understanding of the mechanisms and factors that co-ordinately influence mammary gland development and risk for cancer in adulthood is poorly understood. We are interested in n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), derived from fish oils which may have potential therapeutic effects for the prevention of breast cancer. In this proposal, we will investigate how n-3 PUFA influences mammary gland development and the long term effects on developing cancer in adulthood. It is anticipated that the proposed research will enhance our fundamental knowledge of how dietary n-3 PUFA may have utility in the prevention of breast cancer.