May 20, 2015

Targeting inflammation to combat breast cancer

Epidemiological and clinical research suggests a strong association between inflammation and breast cancer development. Therefore, targeting the process of inflammation is an attractive new intervention strategy for combating breast cancer.

Jun Wang - QEII — Dr. Jun Wang, QEII Health Sciences, Halifax

One of the inflammatory molecules observed in advanced cancer patients is called interleukin 17, and interleukin17-producing cells are also observed in breast cancer patients. Dr. Jun Wang’s research team at Dalhousie University is currently working on novel therapies to modify interleukin 17 signals in various mouse models of breast cancer. Each model represents a clinical scenario to specifically address whether targeting interleukin 17 is beneficial to breast cancer patients.

The specific questions include: (1) whether or not interleukin 17 targeted-therapies can prevent breast cancer growth and metastasis and why, and (2) can interleukin 17 targeted-therapies be used in combination with other conventional therapies to treat breast cancer patients. The overall goal is to identify a safe and effective way to treat breast cancer patients through modifying interleukin 17 signals.

Meet Sadia

Sadia Khan is an MSc student in the Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics at Western University. She is conducting BCC-funded breast cancer research under the

Insights from Dr. Mita Manna

Dr. Mita Manna, Medical Oncologist at the Saskatoon Cancer Centre and associate professor at the University of Saskatchewan, recently delivered an inspiring talk on the

Breast Cancer Canada announces 2026 Research Traineeship Awardees

Breast Cancer Canada is pleased to announce the awarding of eight new scholarships and fellowships at the Breast Cancer Canada Translational Research Unit (BCC-TRU) at

Breast Cancer Canada: Canadian Night at ASCO 2026

Breast Cancer Canada warmly invites you to Canadian Night at ASCO 2026, a special evening to connect with Canadian researchers, patient advocates, and healthcare leaders

Progress Through Research

Latest Research

Breast Cancer Canada donations fund life-saving research that directly impacts Canadian patients. That means better answers, bigger breakthroughs – and more personalized treatment for every breast cancer diagnosis.

Patient Tools

Our suite of digital tools are each designed to help individuals better manage their breast cancer journey through education, research and personalized insights, while also elevating the patient voice.

Patient Stories

Every breast cancer journey is unique, but together, these stories paint a powerful picture of progress. Through firsthand accounts from patients and survivors, we share stories that highlight the lived-experiences of breast cancer.

Fuel Progress

Progress happens when we invest in it. Canada is home to some of the world’s brightest minds in research. Together, we are advancing science, ensuring it leads to earlier detection, better treatments, and improved outcomes for patients across the country.