American Cancer Society Research Grantee Improving Breast Cancer Screening and Care Experience

Strategic Insights -

During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the American Cancer Society is proud to highlight the groundbreaking work of Dr. Steven Katz, professor of health management and policy at the University of Michigan. Dr. Katz's research has focused on expanding access to genetic counseling and testing for breast cancer patients and their families, with a particular emphasis on empowering families to understand their personal cancer risks and make informed decisions about treatment and early detection.

Through his work, Dr. Katz aims to transform the cancer care experience by ensuring that breakthroughs in science translate into real-world benefits for patients and their families. His research has shown that breast cancer survivors who undergo genetic testing are significantly more likely to share clinically relevant results with their families, providing relatives with important insights into inherited cancer risks.

Key Takeaways:

  • Dr. Steven Katz, a professor of health management and policy at the University of Michigan, has received funding from the American Cancer Society to conduct research on expanding access to genetic counseling and testing for breast cancer patients and their families.
  • Dr. Katz's study found that breast cancer survivors who undergo genetic testing are significantly more likely to share clinically relevant results with their families, providing relatives with important insights into inherited cancer risks.
  • The GIFT study, led by Dr. Katz, identifies patients with hereditary cancer predispositions and engages their families in home-based genetic testing, empowering them to make informed decisions about treatment and early detection.
  • Dr. Katz has dedicated his career to improving the quality of the patient experience, and his research has emphasized the challenge and opportunity in genetic testing and communication.
  • The American Cancer Society is the largest non-governmental funder of cancer research in the United States, supporting more than $100 million in breast cancer research to date.
  • Dr. Katz's work highlights the urgent need to ensure all breast cancer survivors, regardless of background, have access to genetic counseling and testing so they can make informed decisions and help protect future generations.

Statistics:

  • More than $100 million in breast cancer research has been supported by the American Cancer Society to date.
  • The American Cancer Society is the largest non-governmental funder of cancer research in the United States.
  • 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime (American Cancer Society).
  • Genetic counseling and testing can help identify inherited cancer risks and provide relatives with important insights into their personal cancer risks.

Sources:

  • American Cancer Society. Press Room. Funded Breast Cancer Researcher [Published October 14, 2025]. Available at: https://pressroom.cancer.org/funded-breast-cancer-researcher.
  • Katz, S. et al. (2024). Family communication and genetic testing in breast cancer. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 42(15), 1558-1565.