2009 Calendar |
Christine Friedenreich Lake Annette, Jasper National Park
AHFMR Senior Scholar Dr. Christine Friedenreich could have chosen any number of spots in the Rockies as her favourite, but one place has a very personal connection: Lake Annette in Jasper National Park. When she was growing up, her family spent many summer holidays hiking in Jasper. Lake Annette, where they frequently stopped for picnics and swims, was a particular favourite of Dr. Friedenreich's father. He passed away in 2006, and a memorial bench now marks a much-loved viewpoint. "It brings back happy memories of my childhood and my father. He was extremely supportive of my career in cancer research." Dr. Friedenreich is a pioneer in researching the role of physical activity on cancer prevention, rehabilitation, and survival. One of her early studies showed that physical activity can decrease the risk of breast cancer by 40% in post-menopausal women. She has led similar studies in prostate and endometrial cancer.Dr. Friedenreich is now extending her work to include research on the biological mechanisms behind the risk reduction. "My goal is to develop guidelines regarding the type of activity, the amount of activity, and the time periods in life when activity is particularly important-practical information that people could use to reduce their cancer risk." |
