On March 8, the University of California will mark International Women’s Day across our campuses, hospitals and labs. On a day where the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women are celebrated around the world, UC has a lot to be proud of and a wide range of ongoing work aimed at continuing to promote equality and advance conditions for women. At UCOP, we are spotlighting the contributions of UC women across many industries throughout Women’s History Month in March.

One industry in which UC is leading the way is women’s health care, with hundreds of trials in progress every day at UC medical centers across the system. For example, the Athena Breast Health Network serves more than 150,000 women receiving breast care at all five University of California medical centers and their affiliates. Athena helps women evaluate and manage their breast cancer risk, access resources and develop a personal plan with their health care provider.

Another partnership across our medical centers, the WISDOM study, aims to bring greater clarity to breast cancer screening recommendations – which can often be unclear and inconsistent for many women. Please consider supporting the WISDOM Study by participating and encouraging the women in your life to participate. Run through the Athena Breast Health Network, it is a unique opportunity to help find a better path for ourselves and future generations of women.

At the UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, ongoing research is examining promising techniques for lessening hair loss in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, and a UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center study is testing interventions that will help women with breast cancer receive the emotional support they need.

“Given our mission of education, research and public service, UC is uniquely positioned to help advance the standing of women in our society, particularly when it comes to women’s health,” said UC President Janet Napolitano. “Across our system, there is groundbreaking work being done to find new cures, better treatments and other medical advances for diseases, including those that disproportionately impact women. Every member of our UC community can support this life-saving work by advocating for continued federal support for research funding and by making a contribution to funds that enable this work on your California state tax returns.”

To voice your support for continued federal investment in UC’s research and education programs, you can join the UC Advocacy Network. Californians can further support women’s health research by making a donation to the California Breast Cancer Research Voluntary Tax Contribution Fund or the California Cancer Research Voluntary Tax Contribution Fund on state income tax returns.

Finally, UC’s groundbreaking research is made possible by volunteers who participate in clinical trials, offering hope for countless others. Visit the website of your nearest UC medical center to learn more about the opportunities available near you:

• UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center
• UC Irvine Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center
• UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center
• UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center
• UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center

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