University gets €4m investment for life-changing research into breast cancer

By Rebecca Black, PA

A €4 million investment into research for life-changing advancements in breast patient outcomes at the University of Galway has been announced.

The funding from the National Breast Cancer Research Institute (NBCRI) is to enable enhanced research and diagnostics including digital imaging currently not available in Ireland.

It will also see the expansion of clinical trials, more international collaboration on the analysis of clinical samples and the appointment of academic and research roles.

Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill hailed an “important step forward” in tackling a disease that one in seven women in Ireland will receive a diagnosis of.

She said she was delighted to launch the partnership between the NBCRI and the University of Galway.

“This investment of €4 million in breast cancer research will not only enhance patient care and outcomes but also pave the way for ground breaking advancements in research and diagnostics,” she said.

“As breast cancer is one of the most common cancers, with one in seven women in Ireland receiving a diagnosis during their lifetime, today’s announcement marks another important step forward in ing women affected by this disease.”

Professor Peter McHugh, interim president of the University of Galway, said he expects the research will auger a significance difference to outcomes for cancer patients.

“Our partnership goes back many years and we have no doubt that this generous philanthropic investment will make a significant difference to outcomes for cancer patients, as well as the wider impact that our University can have as a research-intensive institution, rooted in the community and committed to the public good,” he said.

NBCRI chairwoman Caroline Loughnane said her organisation’s mission is to raise funds in of world-class breast cancer research that has a real and measurable impact on outcomes for breast cancer patients.

“We are delighted to be making this investment of €4 million in the breast cancer research programme at University of Galway, led by Professor Michael Kerin and his team,” she said.

“Research means new discoveries, more effective treatments and better outcomes for breast cancer patients.

“Building on more than three decades of , NBCRI is excited to extend its commitment to the breast cancer research programme at University of Galway as it enters a new phase as a European accredited cancer centre in partnership with the HSE West and North-West.”

Prof Kerin added that the funding underpins an expansive programme of research and builds on the legacy of the NBCRI contribution to major discoveries in breast cancer ranging from the genes that cause it, biomarkers that predict outcome, improved radiological interpretation.

“It has allowed us to contribute to major clinical and research collaborations on this island and across the globe,” he said.

“The research team are immensely grateful to our board and volunteers whose is immense and inspirational.”

University of Galway’s longstanding relationship with NBCRI has enabled approximately €8 million of philanthropic funding and investment in research at the Lambe Institute at the University since 2010.