The German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) recently hosted the Symposium on Inherited Susceptibility of Breast Cancer – from Genetic Discovery to Practical Translations, in Heidelberg, Germany, on February 16th. Organized by Rudolf Kaaks and Petra Rössler, the event served as a tribute to honor the career of Jenny Chang-Claude.
The symposium brought together international and first-class speakers, including Douglas Easton from the Centre for Cancer Genetic Epidemiology at the University of Cambridge, UK; Marjanka Schmidt from The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, NL; Montserrat Garcia-Closas from the Institute for Cancer Research in London, UK; and Per Hall from the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, SE.
The program covered a wide variety of topics, ranging from inherited susceptibility to breast cancer – spanning from familial linkage to genome-wide association studies – to discussions on genetic germline variants’ impact on contralateral breast cancer risk and patient survival. Additionally, the symposium delved into the current evidence regarding the etiological heterogeneity of breast cancer and explored the utilization of risk models for personalized screening and prevention strategies.
Beyond its educational and celebratory aims, the event fostered networking opportunities and facilitated discussions on potential collaborations, particularly linked to Cancer Core Europe’s (CCE) Early Detection and Prevention pillar.
Professor Chang-Claude’s Pioneering Research on Breast Cancer Genetics in Germany
For over four decades, Professor Jenny Chang-Claude has been a key scientist at DKFZ, serving as a senior epidemiologist, leader of the Genetic Epidemiology group in the Division of Cancer Epidemiology, and Deputy Division Head. Since 2004, she has held the position of professor of epidemiology at the University of Heidelberg.
Professor Chang-Claude’s research has been instrumental in advancing the field of genetic epidemiology of breast cancer in Germany, marked by extensive national and international collaborations. Her contributions include conducting multicenter case-control studies and cohort follow-up investigations in Germany, resulting in the publication of over 900 scientific papers in esteemed international journals.
In essence, the symposium underscored the indispensable role of international collaboration across diverse disciplines, not only in fostering cutting-edge scientific endeavors but also in nurturing lifelong friendships.
