UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center to study the theory, thanks to $50,000 from Safeway Foundation
Credit: UC Davis Health
UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center received a $50,000 grant from the Safeway Foundation to explore the use of the South Asian spice Turmeric as a way of reducing joint pain in breast cancer patients being treated with anti-estrogen drugs.
“This gift will have a tremendous impact on our program,” said Mili Arora, UC Davis associate professor of hematology and oncology. “We thank the Safeway Foundation for supporting our efforts to help breast cancer patients live their lives to the fullest extent possible.”
About 70% of breast cancers diagnosed are hormonally driven and treatment includes oral drugs to block estrogen. However, the drugs can cause joint pain, which is why many women do not stay on the medication—putting them at risk of the breast cancer returning.
Turmeric, a flowering plant in the ginger family, is used by some arthritis sufferers who say it reduces their joint pain. The Safeway Foundation grant will help UC Davis test giving turmeric in a pill form in combination with oral anti-estrogen drugs. The goal is to see if the spice can successfully reduce joint pain in breast cancer patients and explore whether it improves the quality of their lives.
“It’s an honor support the work of the UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center. Every day we learn about organizations that go above and beyond to help people and the cancer center is an excellent example,” said Wendy Gutshall, director of public affairs for Safeway.
The study will allow Dr. Arora and her team to provide breast cancer patients with important data on the safety and effectiveness of using turmeric with oral anti-estrogen therapy.
UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center
UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center is the only National Cancer Institute-designated center serving the Central Valley and inland Northern California, a region of more than 6 million people. Its specialists provide compassionate, comprehensive care for more than 15,000 adults and children every year and access to more than 150 active clinical trials at any given time. Its innovative research program engages more than 225 scientists at UC Davis who work collaboratively to advance discovery of new tools to diagnose and treat cancer. Patients have access to leading-edge care, including immunotherapy and other targeted treatments. Its Office of Community Outreach and Engagement addresses disparities in cancer outcomes across diverse populations, and the cancer center provides comprehensive education and workforce development programs for the next generation of clinicians and scientists. For more information, visit cancer.ucdavis.edu.
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