Cancer survivor sheds light on research By Christopher Behnan - Daily Press & Argus

By Christopher Behnan

Scientists and pharmaceutical researchers are at the helm of breast cancer research, but they don't personally experience chemotherapy, or radiation, or face futures struggling with a disease that could be terminal.

That's why the federal government taps the experience of cancer survivors to review research grant proposals, and how Brighton Township resident Becky Cwiek became an emblem for the breast cancer movement.

Cwiek, an eight-year breast cancer survivor and president of the Michigan Breast Cancer Coalition, recently participated in the evaluation of research proposals submitted to the U.S. Department of Defense Breast Cancer Research Program.

The Defense Department partnership dates back to 1995, under former President Bill Clinton, and to date has directed $2.3 billion to research projects.
The department, which is normally in change of our nation's security, was originally tapped to fund the program during the 1990s when a surplus was found in the defense budget.

Cwiek was nominated for participation in the program by the University of Michigan Breast Cancer Advisory and Advocacy Committee to be what is known as a consumer reviewer.

One of 120 consumer reviewers nationwide, Cwiek joined scientists as a voting member on each proposal and is helping determine how $150 million in federal money will be appropriated by Congress this year.

"They want the voice of someone who's had the disease to speak on behalf of the community instead of just the scientists and doctors. It really helps them remember what they're doing," Cwiek, 45, explained.

"It's not about my cancer anymore. Now it's about everybody else's cancer, and I work on behalf of everybody else," she added.
Nearly 1,800 breast cancer research proposals have been reviewed for 2009 fiscal year funds. U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Brighton, this year pledged his support for the program.

Reviewers score proposals as they relate to disease prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment and quality of life after treatment.
To prepare for her role as a breast cancer advocate, Cwiek studied molecular biology through the National Breast Cancer Coalition's Project Leadership Education Advocacy & Development.

Cwiek worked with researchers to learn more about the science of breast cancer treatment.
Dr. E. Melissa Kaime, a U.S. Navy captain and director of the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs, said cancer survivors have been a major asset to the review process.

"They have provided valuable insight into funding decisions and helped the scientists understand the consumers' perspective of innovative research. Likewise, the consumer advocates have been enriched by learning more about breast cancer through discussing proposed research with scientists and seeing the future hopes of successful research," Kaime said in a press release.

Cwiek was diagnosed with cancer at age 37, and received the news on an otherwise mundane day while pushing a cart through the grocery store. At the time, her sons Alex and Trevor were ages 7 and 3, respectively.

While the news was startling, she went right ahead to learn everything she could about the disease and steps she needed to take.
Cwiek became an avid reader

of medical journals and the constantly evolving world of cancer treatment.
Since that time she's undergone surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. The reality of her illness never left her mind, and was driven home when she lost three friends to breast cancer in a 12-month period.

Today, she's considered cancer-free.
"I knew that somehow I would have to deal with that sadness because it was going to happen again and again," Cwiek explained.
"You never feel like you're out of the woods. I see too many things happen around me," she added.

Contact Daily Press & Argus reporter Christopher Behnan at (517) 548-7108 or at cbehnan@gannett.com.