Meet Jeri Spilberg is a MSc student in the Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology at Western University. She is conducting BCC-funded breast cancer research under the mentorship of Dr. Alison Allan. Her research focuses on integrins: proteins that influence how and where cancer spreads, offering new insights into metastasis.
Inspired by her grandmother, a two-time breast cancer survivor, Jeri is dedicated to tackling one of the biggest challenges in breast cancer care: metastasis—the spread of cancer.
Jeri shared more on her research and inspiration below:
1. Could you share your motivation/personal connection to breast cancer research?
Cancer is deeply woven into my family history, fueling my commitment to cancer research from an early age. My grandmother, a two-time breast cancer survivor, inspires me daily. While I’m incredibly grateful for her survival, I’ve made a personal promise to contribute to this field, aiming to help others facing similar challenges.
2. What specific areas of breast cancer research are you currently focusing on, and why are they important?
I am currently focusing on studying the role of a family of proteins called integrins and how they contribute to the spread of breast cancer to distant organs such as the lung, brain and bone. Integrins are important proteins because they help cells bind to each other and to the structural part of our organs called the extracellular matrix. My research is particularly significant because our preliminary data suggests that integrins may play a role in driving breast cancer spread (a process called metastasis), and in particular help determine which specific organ(s) a patient’s breast cancer may spread to. We hope that learning more about the role of integrins in metastasis will contribute to a better understanding of how this deadly process works, and in turn, help identify improved biomarkers and/or new approaches to treatment.
3. What advice do you have for young individuals interested in pursuing a career in breast cancer research?
A career in breast cancer research is undoubtedly challenging and full of obstacles, but when it’s driven by passion, every challenge becomes worthwhile. Perseverance is key in science, as experiments often yield unexpected results. As long as you’re genuinely interested in the work and excited to show up each day, you’ll thrive!
4. In your opinion, what role can public awareness and advocacy play in advancing breast cancer research and treatment?
Public awareness and advocacy play a vital role in improving survival rates and advancing breast cancer research and treatment options. Early detection significantly boosts survival rates, making awareness essential. Additionally, raising public understanding about the disease highlights the importance of ongoing research, potentially increasing funding that drives further studies and leads to the discovery of new, effective treatments.
5. What message would you like to share with someone who has just been diagnosed with breast cancer?
Research has progressed tremendously, leading to higher and continually improving survival rates—so don’t lose hope!
View Jeri’s video message here:
