Claire Park

Claire Park Is Developing A New Image-Guided Biopsy System

Share

1. Who are you? Tell us a little bit about yourself.

My name is Claire Park, and I am a second-year Ph.D. Candidate in Medical Biophysics under the supervision of Dr. Aaron Fenster at Robarts Research Institute, Western University. I previously completed my Honours Bachelor of Medical Sciences in Medical Biophysics and Applied Mathematics at Western University.

2. Tell us about the importance/impact of receiving a TBCRU Studentship Award supported by the Breast Cancer Society of Canada.

I am incredibly grateful to receive this award. It allows me to commit my time and focus on advancing my research fully, and it has provided me with the opportunity to connect and collaborate with other trainees involved in translational breast cancer research.

3. Tell us about your research. What are you doing, and what problem or problems do you hope to answer or solve? 

My work aims to develop a new image-guided biopsy system using positron emission mammography (PEM) and ultrasound to improve the sampling of breast tumours. Current practices for image-guided biopsy are limited. PEM is a breast-specific imaging method that observes tumour activity. By combining functional imaging with an ultrasound-guided biopsy technique, we can improve detection, targeting, and guidance to breast tumours. This will allow for improved diagnosis leading to better treatment and patient outcomes.

4. Why is your research important? What are the possible real-world applications?

Early detection and accurate diagnosis of breast cancer is critical for survival in women with breast cancer. Current methods such as mammograms are less effective for women with dense breasts, which is approximately 50% of women. PEM can detect breast cancer no matter the breast density. My research combines PEM imaging with an ultrasound to develop a system that guides biopsy in real-time. This is especially useful since PEM makes it possible to see tumours that other imaging equipment may not be able to see, and ultrasound-guidance makes sure the biopsy of the tumour is accurate.

5. How did you come up with your research topic/what inspired your research question?

We are working closely with researchers at Radialis Medical, a medical imaging device company based in Thunder Bay. They have recently developed an advanced PEM system with improved detection of small, early-stage tumours at a low imaging dose. When combined with ultrasound-guided expertise from my lab, we can address the research challenge to detect, target accurately, and guide biopsy to sample breast tumours.

6. Who or what got you interested in breast cancer research?

Under the mentorship and expertise of Dr. Aaron Fenster, I was able to learn about image-guided interventions for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. This field is continuously expanding due to advancements in medical imaging technology, and I am excited to contribute to breast cancer research from a system development approach.

7. Why do you think breast cancer research matters or is important?

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Canada. Making breast cancer detection and diagnosis a significant focus of research will transform lives and improve the quality of breast cancer patients. The Breast Cancer Society of Canada (BCSC) and the Translational Breast Cancer Research Unit (TBCRU) makes this a possibility by supporting the students involved in this research.

8. What excites you about your work?

My project is an innovative solution toward improving the detection of breast cancer and biopsy-based diagnosis. It excites me that our system developments have the potential for clinical translation in the near future. I am also excited to collaborate with other scientists, clinicians, and industry leaders for breast cancer research.

9. What do you see yourself doing in the future?

After my Ph.D., I hope to complete my clinical medical physics residency in either diagnostic imaging or radiation therapy. My ultimate goal is to contribute to the advancement of medical physics while being involved in clinical work and cancer research.

10. What do you like to do when you aren’t working on research?

Outside of my research, I have been given the opportunity to co-chair Let’s Talk Cancer Symposium 2020. This event promotes science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) in cancer research for high school students. You can also catch me playing soccer, volleyball, and basketball or lifting weights at Western Rec.

Support researchers like Claire Park by considering a donation to the Breast Cancer Society of Canada. Find out how you can help fund life-saving research, visit bcsc.ca/donate today.
Related Stories
Charitable Registration Number: 13796 9861 RR0001
© Breast Cancer Canada 2024
Sign up,
Know more.
Twitter Facebook Instagram Linkedin

Search

Search
Close this search box.

How to

Support an Event

Make a contribution to a fundraiser being held in support of Breast Cancer Canada. You can search for the organization or person you wish to support; or click on the event name to make a general donation to the Raise More initiative of your choice.

Support Now

How to

Sponsor

Thinking about becoming a corporate partner of Breast Cancer Canada? Amazing. We work with all types of organizations. We’ll help you deliver results which are measurable. National or local.

A partnership with Breast Cancer Canada is a win-win. It improves employee engagement, boosts morale, fosters a tighter culture. It raises your organization’s profile and demonstrates your support for breast cancer research. To customers. To employees. To suppliers. Most of all – it makes a positive impact for those affected directly by breast cancer.

We’ll raise money for life-saving breast cancer research, together.

Let’s talk about building your program!

Contact Charlene Politano today to get started.
Email: cpolitano@breastcancerprogress.ca
Phone: 1-800-567-8767 or 416-352-8567

To make an online corporate donation, please click here.

If you would like to explore other ways to give, we invite you to learn more.

How to

Fundraise

Join the Raise More Challenge

The more money we raise, the sooner we can end breast cancer. The more time researchers have in the lab. The more technology they can use. The more support we can get. Advancements in early detection and personalized treatment are in reach, and with your help to raise funds, we can find a cure sooner.

There are many ways to fundraise – whether you want to create a competition or tournament, fundraise with your team, challenge your colleagues, host a pink party, have a bake sale or cook-off, the idea is to raise more for breast cancer research.

Breast Cancer Canada will empower you with all the tools you need for a successful fundraiser, and if you need more information, contact Dawn Hamilton at: dhamilton@breastcancerprogress.ca  

Join the Raise More Challenge

I am a

Corporate Donor

Support life-saving breast cancer research. A corporate donation is a simple and efficient way to demonstrate your corporate support.

To make a one-time or reoccurring corporate donation online, please click here.

Learn more about

How to Sponsor

Thinking about becoming a corporate partner of Breast Cancer Canada? Amazing. work with all types of organizations. We’ll help you deliver results which are measurable. National or local.

A partnership with Breast Cancer Canada is a win-win. It improves employee engagement, boosts morale, fosters a tighter culture. It raises your organization’s profile and demonstrates your support for breast cancer research. To customers. To employees. To suppliers. Most of all – it makes a positive impact for those affected directly by breast cancer.

We’ll raise money for life-saving breast cancer research, together.

Let’s talk about building your program!

Contact Dawn Hamilton today to get started.
Email: hello@breastcancerprogress.ca
Phone: 1-800-567-8767 

To make an online corporate donation, please click here.

I am a

Legacy Donor

Over the last 30 years, many generous donors have left a legacy to Breast Cancer Canada in efforts to advance breast cancer research.

No matter what the form of your gift, you will be remembered by your legacy which will live on through each of the lives you touch with your gift.

Donate Now

Learn more about

Legacy donor

Leave a legacy. Plan for a future gift.

  • Leave a gift in your will
  • Donating a life insurance policy
  • Donate a TFSA, RRSP, or RRIF

Support Breast Cancer Canada with a future gift to create a better future for breast cancer patients. Your gift helps to save lives through early detection and improve outcomes with better treatments.

or more information, please contact: hello@breastcancerprogress.ca


LEAVE A GIFT IN YOUR WILL

This is often called a bequest. It’s the simplest way to make a legacy gift. A gift in your will has no effect on your current income and your estate receives a charitable donation tax receipt. Here’s a sample of simple bequest wording : “To pay the sum of $_________ OR _______% of the residue of my estate to Breast Cancer Canada.”


DONATING A LIFE INSURANCE POLICY

Life insurance is a way to provide financial security for your family. If the needs of your family are already taken care of, a life insurance policy is a smart way to donate to charity including tax savings for your estate. Speak to your financial advisors for your personalized advice and learn how a gift of life insurance can work for you. Here’s the top-line on ways of leaving gifts of life insurance:


Bequeath your policy to Breast Cancer Canada for the future:

  • Name Breast Cancer Canada as the beneficiary of your policy. BCC will receive your insurance proceeds tax-free. Your estate will receive a donation receipt.


Transfer ownership of a paid-up policy to Breast Cancer Canada now:

  • Want to gift us your existing, paid-up policy right now? Make Breast Cancer Canada the beneficiary and owner of your policy. You will receive a donation receipt for the fair market value of the policy. BCC may redeem the policy now, or hold it and receive the face value in the future – however your gift can be put to best use.


Transfer ownership of a policy on which premiums are still owing to BCC now:

  • Premiums still owing? You can still opt to transfer your policy ownership to BCC. You’ll receive a donation receipt for the policy’s fair market value. Want to make it an ongoing gift? Transfer the ownership to BCC, and still continue to pay the premiums owing. You’ll receive donation receipts for those payments too.


DONATE A TFSA, RRSP, RRIF

Register a significant difference in the lives of those affected by breast cancer. Donate the proceeds of a registered account: Tax-free savings account (TFSA); Registered retirement savings plan (RRSP); Registered retirement income fund (RRIF). It’s a smart way to make a major contribution. Without reducing your current assets. Without subjecting the funds to probate fees. While reducing taxes on your estate through a donation receipt.

Making a gift like this is easy. Designate Breast Cancer Canada as the beneficiary of your registered account.  You benefit from the full use of your account(s) during your lifetime. We receive any remaining funds after your passing.

For more information, contact: hello@breastcancerprogress.ca

I am a

Individual Donor

When you support Breast Cancer Canada, you are helping to improve and save lives through better treatments and early detection of breast cancer.

Donate Now

Learn more about

Gifting securities

Donating securities is becoming more popular, and supports Breast Cancer Canada just like cash donations. Gifts of publicly traded securities (stocks, bonds, mutual funds) are an easy, tax-effective way to make a contribution towards life-saving research that helps with early detection, better treatments, and ultimately  Securities can be of any size and given immediately, or you can bequeath them to Breast Cancer Canada in your will. Just like a cash donation, you’ll get a donation tax credit for your gift of securities.

Today, most securities are held electronically and are easily transferred from your brokerage account to our BCC brokerage account. Your Financial Advisor can make all the arrangements.

For more information, contact: hello@breastcancerprogress.ca

Send e-cards in memory or honour

Bravery is beautiful. That’s why we encourage you to make a donation in honour of a loved one’s own experience with breast cancer. With your donation, we’ll send a email to acknowledge the dedication to the individual or family.

Make a donation with  eCard by dedicating your donation:

Let’s get started

Corporate matching

Multiply the impact of your donation

Fact: thousands of companies will match donations made by employees.

It’s true, and it’s very generous. Want to know if your company will match your donation to BCC? Use the search tool below. It also has access to all the forms, guidelines, and instructions you need to submit a company-matchable gift donation today.

Search Tool

Monthly Giving

Support life-saving breast cancer research every month of the year.

 

When you make a monthly contribution to Breast Cancer Canada, you provide stable funding for year-round campaigning and allow us to continue to support research projects across Canada.

 

To join, simply pre-authorize a monthly deduction from your credit card.

  1. Online:  Donate Now
  2. By Phone: Sign up as a monthly donor by calling Toll Free: 1-800-567-8767
  3. By Mail


Breast Cancer Canada, National Office
415 Exmouth Street Unit # 101
Sarnia, ON N7T 8A4

You will need to provide us the credit card type, number and expiry date, and the amount you would like to give each month.

How to

Volunteer

Volunteers are Breast Cancer Canada’s most important resource, and the backbone of our organization. From helping build our PROgress research to helping breast cancer patients, to supporting events, special fundraising projects and administrative tasks, our volunteers are dedicated to making a positive, life-changing impact.

We ensure our volunteers have the best possible experience and apply the Canadian Code for Volunteer Involvement.

You can help us end breast cancer by:

  • Volunteering with one of our fundraising campaigns. Or a BCC signature event
  • Helping with local community events where you live
  • Joining our PROgress research at a local hub
  • Assisting us with virtual office tasks

Learn more about our volunteer driven Regional Hubs.

Regional Hubs are an integral part of Breast Canada Canada. We connect communities and those committed to our mission to make the goal local. Together, we can save lives through advancing breast cancer research, coast to coast.

Connect to learn more about what is happening in your area: volunteer@breastcancerprogress.ca