Rewards for breast cancer research

Professor Georgia Chenevix-Trench, a cancer geneticist at the Queensland Institute of Medical Research (QIMR), was honoured with a $2,000 donation from the Zonta Club of Wynnum Redland Area on Monday 14 September.

Professor Chenevix-Trench gave a talk at the Alexandra Hills Tavern and received the donation to assist with her research into the genes that cause breast cancer.

“We are excited about this boost for our research,” says Professor Trench. “Our work aims to understand the genetic causes of breast cancer. This support means so much to our laboratory team and it will help to pay for equipment that is needed to continue our research.”

“This is a very exciting time in the field of cancer genetics because we are starting to see translation of basic research into targeted treatments for women with particular forms of breast cancer. It started with the discovery of breast cancer genes in the 1990s and we are now coming into a new era of research application.”

Zonta Club President, Margaret Finegan, has experienced firsthand the upheaval that breast cancer can cause. “Breast cancer has affected every member of the club in one way or another, including myself,” says Mrs Finegan. “Anyway that we can help the fight against cancer is a great privilege.”

QIMR relies on support from the community, including groups like Zonta to assist in funding research projects. Donations from supporters go towards continuing the vital medical research that will lead to better diagnostic tests and treatments for common diseases. Contributions can bring QIMR researchers a step closer to understanding of the causes and contributing factors of diseases such as asthma, cystic fibrosis, endometriosis, arthritis and a range of cancers including breast, colon, and ovarian cancers.

Zonta Club of Wynnum Redland Area has 20 members and is a part of Zonta International. Zonta International is a worldwide service organisation of executives in business and the professions working together to improve the legal, political, economic, educational, health and professional status of women.