The Great Lakes Division is currently funding 12 researchers in Indiana and Michigan who are conducting breast cancer research. These grants total more than $6 million.

Dr. Victoria Champion is one of the researchers in the Great Lakes Division whose work is being funded. Her five-year grant began in 2004 and totals more than $1.7 million. Dr. Champion has conducted cancer research for more than 20 years and serves as director of the cancer control program at the Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center in Indianapolis.

"Cancer research has always been a passion of mine, especially prevention and early detection, said Dr. Champion. Her previously funded studies include increasing mammography and colorectal screenings.

Dr. Champion recently completed her term as president of the Great Lakes Division’s executive board and is a study section member for the National Cancer Institute. She serves as the American Cancer Society’s representative for the Governor’s executive committee that directs Indiana’s tobacco cessation program and is also a presidential appointment to the Center of Disease Control’s Breast and Cervical Advisory panel.

Dr. Champion’s current research compares younger and older breast cancer survivors’ quality of life and compares the younger group to age matched controls that do not have breast cancer. Part of this innovative study includes data collection with partners of all groups to identify the unique problems experienced by family members, as well as the impact partners have on the overall adjustment of cancer survivors. Both younger and older breast cancer survivors are recruited through the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group. The study will provide information on how to best help younger women and their families when they experience breast cancer. Dr. Champion chose to research breast cancer because of its prevalence and impact, and because she has lost good friends to the disease

"A lot of cancers strike people at older ages. Breast cancer hits women in the prime of their lives and that sparked my interest at looking at the differences between people who were diagnosed at a younger age who are in the midst of rearing a family or wanting to have children versus those who are older,” explained Dr. Champion.

Her research looks at several quality of life variables, such as physical function, cognitive functioning, depression, anxiety, spirituality, and health behaviors.

"There are a lot of differences between younger and older survivors that haven’t been found before,” said Dr. Champion, such as the importance of communication between young survivors and their diagnosing provider. Based on preliminary data analysis, Dr. Cleveland Shields and Dr. Champion are piloting an intervention to help younger survivors communicate better with their oncologists.

For more information on the Society’s research program and funding, visit www.cancer.org/research.

Pictured: Dr. Victoria Champion

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