UMass Global Professor Helen Eckmann Contributes to Scientific Peer Review of Congressional Directed Medical Research Programs’ Breast Cancer Research Program for the Department of Defense

FORT DETRICK, Maryland (Sept. 6, 2022) - The Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs’ (CDMRP), Breast Cancer Research Program (BCRP) consumer advocate recently participated in the evaluation of research applications submitted to the BCRP. Helen Eckmann, a cancer survivor and professor of business administration for University of Massachusetts Global, was nominated for participation in the program by Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute. As a consumer reviewer, Eckmann was a full voting member, (along with prominent scientists) at meetings to help determine how the $150 million appropriated by Congress for Fiscal Year 2022 will be spent on breast cancer research.

Consumer reviewers are asked to represent the collective view of patients by preparing comments on the impact of the research on issues such as diagnosis, treatment, and quality of life. When commenting on serving as a consumer reviewer, Eckmann said that “as a 30 year, currently Stage 4, breast cancer survivor, I have felt compelled to do everything possible to help bring the cure for my sisters and brothers who are currently or will be diagnosed with this horrible disease. The medications that are currently saving my life were first researched by Sanford Burnham Cancer Center, and I am grateful.”

Consumer advocates and scientists have worked together in this unique partnership to evaluate the merit of research applications since FY92. Col. Sarah B. Goldman, Director of the CDMRP, expressed her appreciation for the consumer advocates’ hard work. “Integrating consumer perspectives into our decision-making process brings energy and focus to our research programs. Patients, caregivers, family members, and advocates help us keep our efforts centered around what is truly important to those impacted. We very much value this critical input from our consumers who help ensure that CDMRP’s work remains critical and relevant,” she said.

Researchers applying to the BCRP propose to end breast cancer for service members, veterans, and the general public by funding innovative, high-impact research through a partnership of scientists and consumers.
 
More information about the CDMRP BCRP is available at the website: https://cdmrp.army.mil/BCRP/default.