| What Has Project LEAD® Accomplished?
The National Breast Cancer Coalition Fund has spearheaded the effort to increase funding for breast cancer research. But money alone will not end this epidemic. Ensuring that breast cancer advocates hold a central place in all policy and research decisions is a cornerstone of NBCCF's mission.
As a result of NBCCF's work, scientists, government agencies and private industry have changed the way they design and implement breast cancer research and programs. Through the Research Initiative work of NBCCF and the training of Project LEAD advocates, NBCCF has created a model for consumer influence marked by transparency, innovation and a peer relationship among scientists, researchers, policymakers and consumers nationwide.
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What Subjects are Taught at the Project LEAD® Courses? - Project LEAD® Workshop, a two-day introductory course to on the science of breast cancer, covers basic biology, research design, and advocacy elements.
- Project LEAD Institute, a five-day science course on cancer biology, genetics, epidemiology, research design, leadership and advocacy development
- Quality Care Project LEAD, a four-day course that teaches how to improve the quality of breast cancer care through systems change
- Clinical Trials Project LEAD, a four-day advanced course to help Project LEAD graduates understand and improve clinical trials research
To find out more about each of these courses, click Courses . Return to the top of the page.
Participating in the Project LEAD® Program
The Project LEAD courses give advocates the skills to identify what is worth fighting for in breast cancer and the tools to create meaningful change. The learning process is active and uses the best adult learning principles to ensure that students truly grasp often unfamiliar material. Each Project LEAD course is taught by an outstanding faculty from renowned research and academic institutions.
The NEW Project LEAD Workshop is a two-day introduction to anyone interested in learning the basics of breast cancer science, how the biomedical research process works, how to more accurately understand scientific information in the news, and how to become a more effective breast cancer advocate in your community. Applicants need to register for the workshop by a specified deadline and scholarships are available for NBCC members in financial need.
The Project LEAD Institute, Quality Care Project LEAD and Clinical Trials Project LEAD curriculum is presented through lectures, small study groups and discussion, critical appraisal of scientific articles, research seminars, and review of research proposals. Graduates have noted that these courses are both intellectually stimulating and challenging. The course days are intense, and extensive reading before, during and after the course is required. The selection process is competitive including essays and letters of reference. Scholarships are available for NBCC members in financial need.
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What is Expected of Project LEAD® Workshop Participants? Participants of the 2 day Project LEAD Workshop will be able to contribute in many new ways to the advocacy and information dissemination efforts in their communities. This training will enable participants to better explain basic breast cancer science and research information to their colleagues, clients, friends, and family. Students will learn how to be critical thinkers of the breast cancer science that appears in the news every day and will be a resource to their organizations, clients, community. They will also be able to support many of NBCC’s advocacy, research and public policy initiatives in effective and substantive ways – from helping with campaigns to explaining positions to their health care provider community and legislative representatives.
Graduates of the Workshop will be able to continue their education through reading, online lectures, attending conferences and, for those who excel and wish to continue their Project LEAD training, by applying to the Project LEAD Institute or other Project LEAD courses.
What is Expected of Project LEAD® Institute Graduates? Graduates of the intensive 5 day Project LEAD Institute are expected to seek out and participate in breast cancer research, quality care and policy decision-making opportunities. They are expected to work closely with NBCCF and other Project LEAD graduates to encourage and strengthen consumer participation in well-designed breast cancer clinical trials and in efforts to improve and measure the health care delivery system.
Graduates join LEADgrads Online, a nationwide Project LEAD web-based network that provides ongoing support and a forum to exchange ideas with graduates around the country and internationally.
Project LEAD graduates join the ranks of others who:
• Partner with scientists to design breast cancer research;
• Become involved with clinical trials;
• Write articles and commentary on breast cancer issues;
• Present at scientific conferences and meetings;
• Review breast cancer research proposals for the Department of Defense Breast Cancer Research Program, or other research panels;
• Serve on decision-making boards of local, state and national organizations, committees and IRBs.
Return to the top of the page. Project LEAD® is funded through a generous grant from The Avon Foundation. Project LEAD® is a registered trademark of the National Breast Cancer Coalition Fund, a registered 501(c)(3) tax-deductible nonprofit organization. |
