Breast cancer research chair a first for Atlantic Canada

Halifax, NS – Dr David Hoskin has been appointed the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation – Atlantic Region Endowed Chair in Breast Cancer Research. One of only three breast cancer chairs in Canada, Dr Hoskin will provide leadership in breast cancer research locally and across the country, bringing together researchers from a variety of disciplines.

The chair is the result of a collaborative effort between the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation – Atlantic Region, the QEII Foundation, CIBC, Dalhousie University and the Capital District Health Authority.

This $2.5 million program includes a $1.65 million gift from the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation – Atlantic Region, a $500,000 commitment from the QEII Foundation and a $350,000 gift from CIBC. As a chair in breast cancer research, Dr Hoskin will pursue advanced research and program development in breast cancer at Dalhousie University which will in turn attract bright young professionals to join in his quest.

“Breast cancer touches Canadian families every day,” said Dr Hoskin. “Our goal is to make advancements in new prevention and treatment strategies for this devastating illness so that there will be a future in which breast cancer and other cancers will be cured or controlled.”

Dr Hoskin’s credentials include research initiatives that range from mechanisms of tumour-induced immune suppression to the anti-cancer properties of naturally occurring cationic peptides and phytochemicals that are present in fruits and vegetables. He is a member of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation – Atlantic Region Scientific Review Committee, and a professor, departments of pathology and microbiology and immunology in the Faculty of Medicine at Dalhousie University.