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Welcome to the Breast Cancer SPORE

An NCI Specialized Program of Research Excellence

The University of Chicago Specialized Program of Research Excellence (SPORE) in Breast Cancer brings together a multidisciplinary team of basic, clinical, and population science investigators to design innovative research that will reduce worldwide suffering from breast cancer using a unique global strategy.

Funded through the National Cancer Institute, the Breast Cancer SPORE aims at developing genetic and imaging-based approaches to prevent, detect, and treat breast cancer in women who are at increased risk of developing an aggressive form of malignancy at a young age. Currently, there is no defined screening strategy for reducing breast cancer mortality in women less than 40 years of age. This is particularly problematic for women of African ancestry since they suffer from disproportionately high breast cancer mortality rates. Thus, a portion of the SPORE tackles the global issue of health disparities among different ethnic and racial groups.

The Breast Cancer SPORE is composed of four primary research projects that are supported by three program cores. The SPORE also includes a Developmental Research Program and a Career Development Program, which promote new research endeavors and provide mentoring and support to young investigators.

Principal Investigator: Olufunmilayo Olopade, M.D.

Co-Principal Investigators: Gini Fleming, M.D. Maryellen Giger, Ph.D