Michele Cote, Ph.D., associate professor of Oncology for the Wayne State University School of Medicine and the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, has been awarded the Dr. Michael J. Brennan Scientific Distinction Award by Karmanos for her demonstrated leadership in breast cancer research.
"I am so honored to be selected as a Hero of Breast Cancer, and truly feel my work has just begun," said Dr. Cote, a member of the Karmanos Department of Populations Studies and Disparities Research. "There are still many interesting, important questions to be examined, particularly with respect to breast cancer disparities. My collaborators at Karmanos Cancer Institute have been incredible partners as we try to disentangle the complex reasons disparities exist, and I look forward to many more productive years working with the outstanding researchers, advocates, and patients at Karmanos."
Karmanos Cancer Institute recognized Dr. Cotes for her exceptional achievement in breast cancer research focused on closing the gap on cancer disparities, especially within underserved populations. Her lab focuses on issues surrounding health disparities. Her research interests include cancer epidemiology, molecular epidemiology of lung cancer and disparities in endometrial cancer survival. She believes that focusing on underserved and understudied populations is the only way to achieve optimal health for all.
Dr. Cote is the recipient of two research grants from Susan G. Komen Award and Research Grant Program, which supports scientists and groundbreaking breast cancer research around the world. In 2012, she received a grant for more than $888,000 to study benign breast disease and the risk of breast cancer in African-American women. Dr. Cote, in collaboration with Rouba Ali-Fehmi, M.D., professor of Pathology for the Wayne State University School of Medicine and director of the GYN Oncology Tissue Procurement Program at Wayne State University and the Karmanos Cancer Institute, worked to identify pathologic factors early on in benign breast biopsies that would lead to a better understanding of the disease process and the development of effective methods to prevent and treat breast cancer.
In 2014, Dr. Cote received a second Komen grant for more than $404,000 to provide multidisciplinary training in the biology of breast cancer disparities. In addition, she recently donated healthy breast tissue and blood at a collection event held at Indiana University Komen Tissue Bank to further breast cancer research. Dr. Cote is working on hosting a similar healthy tissue collection at the Karmanos Cancer Institute in fall 2016.
She believes the Detroit community can greatly contribute and benefit from furthering science when it comes to African-Americans disproportionately being affected by breast cancer.
Michael Brennan, M.D., served as president of the Michigan Cancer Foundation, the forerunner of the Karmanos Cancer Institute. Dr. Brennan died in 2010 at the age of 89. He was a nationally-renowned oncologist when he took the helm of Michigan Cancer Foundation in 1966, serving as its president until 1991. Under his leadership, MCF became the country's 20th comprehensive cancer center in 1978, a distinction maintained to this day. Dr. Brennan was a pioneer in cancer research, a mentor and inspiration who helped put Karmanos on the map as a leader in compassionate and comprehensive cancer care.
Dr. Cotes' award comes as the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute continues its longtime tradition during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month recognizing 12 outstanding individuals and organizations at its 21st annual Heroes of Breast Cancer Awards event, held Oct. 28 at the Max M. and Marjorie S. Fisher Music Center. Nearly 250 guests were in attendance to celebrate this year's honorees for their demonstrated leadership in raising awareness of breast cancer through education, the promotion of breast health, early detection and research breakthroughs, and inspirational stories of survivorship. Ann Delisi, radio and television personality and host of Ann Delisi's Essential Music on WDET 101.9 FM, served as emcee.
"We have made significant progress in the breast cancer fight but there is more work to be done," said Gerold Bepler, M.D., Ph.D. president and chief executive officer of the Karmanos Cancer Institute and chair of Oncology for the WSU School of Medicine. "Our team at Karmanos works tirelessly to provide exceptional care to our patients, providing numerous therapies, clinical trials and advancements in cancer research to help discover new effective treatments. We also encourage women and men to be proactive about their health by talking with their physician about cancer screenings.
"We're privileged to shine light on those who support us in this fight and inspire us by their selfless contributions to improve the lives of those faced with breast cancer. It's with our sincerest gratitude that we congratulate our 2015 Heroes of Breast Cancer."