We are grateful to the generous donors to the Fetting Fund. Established 13 years ago, more than $5 million has been raised to support breast cancer prevention research. Funds are also used to support the efforts of researchers.

We are pleased to announce that Cynthia Zahnow, Ph.D., was named the 2023-2024 Fetting Fund Scholar and will receive support from the John Fetting Fund for Breast Cancer Prevention to continue her research on how alcohol contributes to increased risk of developing of breast cancer. A breast cancer survivor herself, Dr. Zahnow is an expert in epigenetics, or the study of chemical alterations that help control gene expression and can turn genes on and off, contributing to cancer development. While alcohol consumption increases breast cancer risk for women of all ages, Dr. Zahnow believes younger women may be most vulnerable because breast tissue is most sensitive to environmental exposures before a first pregnancy. By studying the underlying mechanisms, Dr. Zahnow aims to develop an alcohol-induced epigenetic profile that could help identify women who may be at most risk for developing breast cancer so that they can make informed decisions about alcohol consumption that could help reduce it.

“To ensure the growth and sustainability of our research efforts, we are raising funds for a new Professorship in Translational Breast Cancer Prevention,” says Vered Stearns, M.D., Breast Cancer Program Director. “This professorship will provide an anchor for a comprehensive approach to breast cancer prevention research at the Kimmel Cancer Center. With new funds, we will seek to attract candidates with the extraordinary opportunities for groundbreaking translational research at Hopkins. The program leader will work with our already successful translational investigators in breast cancer and in other types of cancer. Your contribution will have significant impact on women in the near term and into the distant future.

Celebrating 13 years of the Fetting Fund for Breast Cancer Prevention. Watch the video: