DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE - CONGRESSIONALLY DIRECTED MEDICAL RESEARCH PROGRAMS

NEWS RELEASE

Released: January 11, 2012

Stamp Sales Renewed to Fund Breast Cancer Research

The simple act of buying a postage stamp can help in the effort to end breast cancer.

Since 1998, a portion of the proceeds from the sale of the Breast Cancer Research stamp have been directed to research grants awarded by the Department of Defense's Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs' (CDMRP) Breast Cancer Research Program (BCRP). The U.S. Congress recently authorized continuation of the Stamp Out Breast Cancer Act until 2015.

In the 13-year history of the stamp, the BCRP has awarded 48 research grants totaling nearly $21 million.

"The BCRP has a proud history of supporting cutting-edge research that opens new pathways for scientists and clinicians," said CDMRP Director Colonel Jeffrey Leggit, MD. "Renewing the Stamp Out Breast Cancer Act will allow the BCRP to continue finding and funding high impact research with the ultimate goal of eliminating breast cancer."

BCRP Program Manager Dr. Gayle Vaday expressed her gratitude for those responsible for the continued popularity of the stamp.

"Funds provided to the BCRP from sale of the Breast Cancer Research stamp will continue to be invested in innovative research projects that have high potential for major advancements in breast cancer," said Dr. Vaday. "We thank the advocates and those who purchase the breast cancer stamp for their dedicated efforts toward research that will hopefully one day lead to the eradication of breast cancer."

The Stamp Out Breast Cancer Act, Public Law 105-41, was first passed on August 13, 1998. It has since been re-authorized five times and has raised nearly $73 million with 30 percent of the funds going to the BCRP and 70 percent of the funds given to the National Institutes of Health. The BCRP's brochure about the program is available on the CDMRP website.

A single Breast Cancer Research stamp costs 55 cents; 11 cents is directed toward breast cancer research. The stamps are available at U.S. post offices.

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The Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) funds innovative bio-medical competitive awards and manages research programs in cancer, military relevant injuries and conditions, and specific disease programs for the benefit of all Americans. Recognized for our unique collaborations with scientists, clinicians, consumers, and the military, the CDMRP is a subordinate command of the United States Army Medical Research and Materiel Command, Department of Defense (https://cdmrp.health.mil).