Dr Sarah Boyle has dedicated her life to fighting breast cancer.
A talented breast cancer researcher, Dr Boyle works tirelessly to make the ‘everyday’ possible for families and loved ones.
And the fight is personal for Dr Boyle, with her mum and other women in her family affected by breast cancer.
“My mother has had surgery and radiotherapy to treat breast cancer twice,” Dr Boyle said.
“Hers is a success story, and I am grateful I still get to experience those everyday moments with her.
“Whilst this was my initial inspiration for pursuing a career in cancer research, I continue to gain inspiration from the people I’m able to impact, and working with women who have had breast cancer, including our patient advocates, who have had lived experience of this complex disease.”
Based at the Centre for Cancer Biology, an alliance between the University of South Australia and SA Pathology, Dr Boyle’s early-career research was proudly funded by The Hospital Research Foundation Group (THRFG) to investigate the physical forces that occur when tumours grow and spread.
She is now taking this work further, with both THRF Group and Government backing, to advance this knowledge and use it to develop clinical approaches to control cancer progression and spread.
“Through my work I aim to uncover new insights into how breast cancers can be treated, and improve outcomes for people diagnosed and living with cancer,” Dr Boyle said.
“We have uncovered a very interesting pathway that is triggered when breast cancers and cancer cells experience compressive mechanical force, and when this pathway is turned on, cancer cells are more invasive and divide more rapidly.
“In understanding the factors driving breast cancer growth and spread, we can identify ways in which we can intervene and stop the effects of the environment and forces on cancer progression, and thereby contribute to better outcomes for patients.”
Dr Boyle has also gone above and beyond for this fight, being a passionate breast cancer fundraiser for The Hospital Research Foundation Group and volunteering her time to talk to community groups.
You too can join Dr Boyle in creating everyday moments for people battling breast cancer.
By fundraising or donating to The Longest Table, you’re directly supporting research like Dr Boyle’s that aims to put a halt to breast cancer growth – allowing for more everyday moments for our loved ones. Thank you!
