The Kay Yow Cancer Fund®, in partnership with The V Foundation for Cancer Research, today awarded a $1 million women’s cancer research grant to the University of North Carolina Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center.

The Kay Yow Cancer Fund $1 million research grant was awarded to UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center to conduct a Phase II, four-year controlled trial to evaluate the impact of a physical activity intervention program on biomarkers of aging and body composition among breast cancer survivors, age 65 and older, who are receiving adjuvant or neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The research project will be conducted as a national, multi-site collaboration with the Cancer and Aging Research Group, UNC Hospitals, affiliated community clinics and the Alliance for Clinical Trials and Oncology.

“It is essential to preserve and optimize physical function among women, 65 and older, as they undergo chemotherapy in order for them to continue to live independently in their communities and enjoy the highest possible quality of life,” said Susan Donohoe, executive director, Kay Yow Cancer Fund. “The collaborative effort of these investigators is important work being done to benefit the aging women’s population. Research programs such as this one are critical as we continue to optimize treatment regimens for women in all phases of their lives.”

During today’s press conference, Donohoe was joined by Susan Braun, chief executive officer of The V Foundation, to present UNC Lineberger Geriatric Oncology Program Director Hyman Muss, M.D., and UNC Cancer Care Director Shelley Earp, III, M.D., with a ceremonial check at UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center. A special recognition was held during the rivalry matchup between the Duke University and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill women’s basketball teams the afternoon of March 2, with an additional presentation scheduled during the University of Notre Dame vs. UNC men’s basketball game this evening at 7 p.m.

This grant is an expansion of a well-established base of research being conducted at UNC Lineberger on aging and breast cancer. Following the conclusion of the study, cancer patients across the U.S. will have access to a proven, user-friendly, simple exercise program that will help them maintain independence and improve quality of life, which may favorably affect genes of aging.

“Breast cancer is a disease of aging. In fact, most people in the U.S. with breast cancer are now 65 and older. As we develop treatment plans for our older patients, our goal is to pick the right treatment based on the patient’s general health and preferences, not their age, and to make sure they are not undertreated or overtreated simply because of their age,” said Dr. Muss. “We know that incorporating simple, routine exercise—like walking—into a patient’s treatment plan helps maintain function and improve overall quality of life. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to grow this program, help more breast cancer patients and see it realized on a national scale.”

The Kay Yow Cancer Fund had the privilege of working in collaboration with The V Foundation Scientific Advisory Board to solicit, identify, review and award this grant proposal. The V Foundation Scientific Advisory Board administers the competitive grant application process for the Kay Yow Cancer Fund.

“The V Foundation is honored to be involved in the selection and administration of this grant,” said Susan Braun, chief executive officer, The V Foundation. “Proposals were received from around the country. Dr. Muss’ proposal was selected as the top ranking grant in this very competitive process.”

For more information about the Kay Yow Cancer Fund $1 million research grant and to view photos of the events, visit www.kayyow.com or www.facebook.com/kayyowcancerfund.

About the Kay Yow Cancer Fund

The Kay Yow Cancer Fund was officially founded on December 3, 2007, from the vision of the organization’s namesake Kay Yow, former NC State University head women’s basketball coach. Coach Yow was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1987 before succumbing to the disease on January 24, 2009. The Kay Yow Cancer Fund is a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization committed to being a part of finding an answer in the fight against women’s cancers through raising money for scientific research, assisting the underserved and unifying people for a common cause. For more information on the Kay Yow Cancer Fund or to make a donation, please visit www.KayYow.com.

About the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center

One of only 41 NCI-designated comprehensive cancer centers, the University of North Carolina Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center brings together some of the most exceptional physicians and scientists in the country to investigate and improve the prevention, early detection and treatment of cancer. With research that spans the spectrum from the laboratory to the bedside to the community, UNC Lineberger faculty work to understand the causes of cancer at the genetic and environmental levels, to conduct groundbreaking laboratory research, and to translate findings into pioneering and innovative clinical trials. For more information, please visit www.unclineberger.org.

About The V Foundation

The V Foundation for Cancer Research was founded in 1993 by ESPN and the late Jim Valvano, legendary North Carolina State basketball coach and ESPN commentator. Since 1993, The Foundation has funded more than $115 million in cancer research grants nationwide. It awards 100 percent of all direct cash donations to cancer research and related programs. Due to generous donors, the Foundation has an endowment that covers administrative expenses. The Foundation awards peer-reviewed grants through a competitive awards process strictly supervised by a Scientific Advisory Committee. For more information on The V Foundation, please visit www.jimmyv.org.