(Vancouver, BC; June 5, 2006) – Breast cancer researchers of The Weekend to End Breast Cancer network across Canada and The Aviva Weekend to Breakthrough Breast Cancer network in the United Kingdom are about to open an international dialogue on the progress of breast cancer research and treatment.

Starting tomorrow, The Inaugural Weekend to End Breast Cancer International Workshop will unite 22 scientists - leaders in the field of breast cancer research from centres across Canada and the UK, for a one-day exchange of ideas and discussion of research initiatives.  With over $37 million raised in four Canadian cities and £5.4 million in London last year alone, participants in the Weekend to End Breast Cancer and Aviva Weekend to Breakthrough Breast Cancer are helping drive crucial breast cancer initiatives in their regions across Canada and the UK.

Dr. Samuel Aparicio, recently recruited to the BC Cancer Agency as head of breast cancer research and the molecular oncology department at the BC Cancer Agency, and workshop host/organiser, established his laboratories and recruited a number of key researchers using funds raised by The Weekend to End Breast Cancer benefiting BC Cancer Foundation events in 2004 and 2005.

“The Weekend to End Breast Cancer walkers are helping research directly,” Dr. Aparicio says, “by providing the dollars that are funding the recruitment of researchers into this field across many cities. The workshop will provide a vital forum to learn about each others’ work and exchange ideas.

“Discussion and collaboration are the life blood of research, whether in Canada or the UK. The funds raised from the Vancouver walk have helped us make this forum a reality this year, and we are honoured to be hosting this inaugural workshop at the BC Cancer Agency,” he says.

Dr. Aparicio adds, “I walked in the Vancouver Weekend to End Breast Cancer last summer and I am walking again this year. Weekend participants play a big role in achieving our goal of ending cancer and I am proud to walk with them.”

“We are thrilled that this first international gathering of breast cancer specialists, is taking
place here in Vancouver,” says Nicholas Locke, senior VP development at the BC Cancer
Foundation. “The Weekend to End Breast Cancer events help fund cutting-edge research in
Canada and the UK. Tomorrow’s meeting is yet another element bringing us closer to improvements in prevention, earlier detection and treatments for cancer, and we would not have made it this far without the dedication of event participants. I urge you to make the difference today, visit www.endcancer.ca.”

The third annual Weekend to End Breast Cancer benefiting the BC Cancer Foundation takes place Aug. 18-20 in Vancouver. To join, visit www.endcancer.ca or call 604.684.WALK (9255).

The Weekend to End Breast Cancer benefiting the BC Cancer Foundation in Vancouver supports breast cancer research and enhancements to care at the BC Cancer Agency.

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Media Contacts:

Judy Hamill                                                     Fiona Story
Communications Officer                                   Communications Coordinator
BC Cancer Foundation                                     The Weekend to End Breast Cancer
604.707.5934                                                  Cell: 514.867.7234
Cell: 604.802.6984                                          www.endcancer.ca
www.bccancerfoundation.com