The Project to End Postpartum Breast Cancer (PPBC)

The Project to End Postpartum Breast Cancer (PPBC)

"Prevent PPBC-I" Clinical Trial

A generous supporter jumpstarted this campaign with a $100,000 gift. We hope you will join today to help us reach our goal and launch this important clinical trial 

Can having a baby increase your risk for developing an aggressive form of breast cancer?

Sadly, the answer is, yes.

An estimated 36,000 young women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year in the U.S., and almost half are diagnosed within 10 years of childbirth—a critical period that significantly raises the risk for breast cancer metastasis. These cancers, known as postpartum breast cancers (PPBC), are particularly dangerous because research shows that women diagnosed during this postpartum period face an increased risk of metastasis, when the cancer spreads to other parts of the body.

One such woman is Lynda Weatherby, who was diagnosed with PPBC after the birth of her second child, at age 36.

“Three years after my daughter was born in 2001, I was diagnosed with DCIS, which is sometimes known as Stage 0 breast cancer,” she said. “I went through surgery and treatment and thought that was it, but several years later I developed symptoms – bone pain and facial paralysis. I went back to my oncologist and they diagnosed me with metastatic breast cancer in my bones and brain in 2013. I wanted to know how I could go from Stage 0 to Stage 4, so I got involved in the research.”

Through cancer patient advocacy, Lynda learned that PPBC cancer affects half of all women under 45 who develop breast cancer. Yet there is little awareness about the risk.  

Eleven years out from her metastatic diagnosis, Lynda is currently working with two leading scientists to educate others about PPBC and champion a groundbreaking clinical trial designed to help prevent it.

So far, their findings show:

• PPBC carries a higher risk for deadly metastatic spread, which is treatable but not curable.
• This team has identified the postpartum biology that supports breast cancer metastasis, and it is not pregnancy nor it is lactation, as both pregnancy and lactation can protect against breast cancer.
• The culprit is breast involution which occurs at childbirth if a women does not breast feed her child, and at time of weaning if she does breastfeed.  Breast involution is a wound-like process that supports tumor development and spread.
• Preclinical studies show there’s potentially a simple, inexpensive way to prevent this cancer from developing.
• Their ongoing research question is, “Could giving Ibuprofen to the mother during the weeks around when she stops nursing change what happens in the breast and support the idea that such an intervention could one day prevent PPBC?"  But, there are currently no clinical trials being conducted in this life window of motherhood.

Why are no studies being done?

Because this simple prevention method involves a readily available, over-the-counter drug, it is hard to generate interest or support from the pharmaceutical industry.

Other funding sources have also proved elusive because of the perception that PPBC is rare. But it is not rare!

So, Lynda and her husband Todd Weatherby are supporting two research pioneers in PPBC -- Dr. Virginia (Ginger) Borges of the University of Colorado, and Dr. Pepper Schedin  of Oregon Health Sciences University – in launching the PREVENT PPBC-I clinical trial and are reaching out to the community to help.

Pictured (L-R): Ginger Borges, MD and Pepper Schedin, Phd

“If this simple intervention is effective, we can make a huge difference,” Dr. Borges said. “This inexpensive, widely available medication could potentially prevent the cancer-promoting changes in the breast after childbirth worldwide.”

Their ultimate goal is to raise $2 million to fund a first-of-its-kind human clinical trial in 100 participants, setting the stage for a larger follow-up trial. To help get the trials started, we need to raise $250,000 by the end of the year to cover essential costs, including participant recruitment, trial setup, and initial research expenses. Your support at this crucial stage will pave the way for groundbreaking advancements in treatment that could change countless lives.

“Your contribution can help us reach this goal and potentially prevent postpartum breast cancer in thousands of women worldwide,” she said. “Many clinicians still underestimate the risk of postpartum breast cancer. It’s a devastating disease that’s killing young mothers and very few people even know it’s happening. It’s time to lean into this research.”

 How can you help?

Join us in this life-saving endeavor!

Together, we can fund this critical research to possibly end the tragedy of Postpartum Breast Cancer for countless women and families all over the world. Your donation can make a profound impact. Donate Today!

Company Matching Gifts

If your company has a matching gift policy, request a matching gift form from that employer and submit your completed and signed claim to:

University of Colorado Foundation P.O. Box 17126 Denver, CO 80217-9155

The University of Colorado Foundation's Tax ID # is: 84-6049811

Matching gifts are directed to the same designation as your original gift, unless your employer dictates otherwise. Call 303-541-1290 or email matching.gifts@cufund.org with questions.

If you're interested in sharing your story or learning more about giving to this project, please contact endpostpartumbc@gmail.org

 Dr. Virginia Borges https://medschool.cuanschutz.edu/medical-oncology/research/breast-cancer-program/borges-research-lab

 Dr. Pepper Schedin www.ohsu.edu/school-of-medicine/schedin-lab

Lisa Nolen, Oregon Health & Science University Foundation