- Blog /
- February 12, 2025
Advocacy Spotlight: Honoring Pioneering Women in Breast Cancer
Our Advocacy Spotlights celebrate women whose support has changed the face of breast cancer. From geneticists to oncologists, advocates to researchers, these women have dedicated their lives to improving outcomes for breast cancer patients worldwide.
Their work has paved the way for advancements in research, diagnosis, and treatment, saving countless lives and inspiring future generations. In this post, we once again shine a light on some of the most inspiring women in the field of breast cancer.
Dr. Laura van 't Veer is a Dutch-American molecular biologist and researcher who has made significant advancements in the field of breast cancer research. She is currently a professor of laboratory medicine at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) and the leader of the Breast Oncology Program at the UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Dr. van 't Veer is known for her work on the development of the Oncotype DX test, a genomic test that predicts the likelihood of breast cancer recurrence in early-stage breast cancer patients. Her research has greatly improved the understanding of breast cancer biology and has paved the way for personalized medicine approaches in breast cancer treatment. Dr. van 't Veer has received numerous awards for her groundbreaking work in breast cancer research.
Dr. Ephrat Levy-Lahad is an Israeli-American geneticist and researcher in the field of breast cancer genetics. She is currently the Director of the Medical Genetics Institute at Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem, Israel. Dr. Levy-Lahad's research has focused on identifying genetic mutations associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.
Dr. Levy-Lahad is known for her work on the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, which are associated with a significantly increased risk of breast and ovarian cancer. Her research has led to the development of genetic testing for these mutations, allowing for earlier detection and prevention of breast cancer in high-risk patients. Dr. Levy-Lahad has received numerous awards for her contributions to the field of medical genetics.
Dr. Olufunmilayo Olopade is a Nigerian-American oncologist and researcher who has made significant contributions to the understanding of breast cancer in African American women. Born in Nigeria, Dr. Olopade received her medical degree from the University of Ibadan and later completed her residency and fellowship training at the University of Chicago.
Dr. Olopade's research has focused on identifying genetic and environmental factors that contribute to the high incidence and mortality rates of breast cancer in African American women. She has discovered genetic variations associated with increased breast cancer risk and has developed targeted screening and prevention strategies. Dr. Olopade is currently the Walter L. Palmer Distinguished Service Professor of Medicine and Human Genetics at the University of Chicago.
Beth Caldwell
Beth Caldwell was a metastatic breast cancer advocate and founder of the Metastatic Breast Cancer Project (MBCproject). Diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer in 2014 at age 37, Beth dedicated her life to changing the way the disease is perceived and treated.
Through the MBCproject, a patient-led organization, Beth aimed to accelerate metastatic breast cancer research and improve patient outcomes. Although she passed away in 2019, her advocacy work and the MBCproject continue to make an impact on the metastatic breast cancer community.
To learn about more amazing women in the breast cancer advocacy space, check out our last spotlight.