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Prevention and Research Center Under Direction of Dr. Kathy J. Helzlsouer Receives $250,000 Grant

Baltimore, MD (July 2006) — Muscle and joint aches and pains are common and sometimes appear to be related to medications used to prevent breast cancer recurrence. These aches and pains can interfere with daily life and be bothersome for some women. The Prevention and Research Center at Mercy Medical Center has been awarded a $250,000 grant by the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation to conduct a research study. The study will provide new data concerning if and how certain treatment factors are related to joint and muscle aches and pains. The research will be focusing on the possible relationship between these quality of life side effects and treatment with aromatase inhibitors. The study will look at factors in the diet and in the blood, especially levels of Vitamin D. The study will be led by Dr. Kathy J. Helzlsouer, Director, The Prevention and Research Center at the Weinberg Center for Women's Health and Medicine and her team which hopes to develop strategies that may help prevent or relieve the side effects of these medications for the breast cancer survivor.