Program Staff
Investigators
Nurses
CBCS makes a special effort to reach its participants where they are. We understand how difficulty managing life and treatment are without throwing contributing to the future of breast cancer research into the mix. Our nurses are here to welcome participants into this family of advocates and researchers.
Telephone Interviewers
CBCS’s aim is to follow-up with its over 3,000 enrolled participant-advocates for 15 years after their breast cancer diagnosis, or at least for as long as they are willing and able to generously share their lives with the study. To make participation, as easy as possible, CBCS conducts its annual or biennial follow-up surveys over the telephone after its initial, in-person interview.
Erin and Linda make all of the calls for CBCS. If you received a newsletter and want to complete your follow-up call, please don’t hesitate to contact them! They are always happy to hear from you. In case they don’t hear from you first, one of them will call you to get updated information on your general health and treatment history.
Other Staff
There are also many research assistants and specialists who work behind the scenes at CBCS every day with more than 75 years of combined research experience. They produce and send mailings, obtain medical records and tumor specimens, and clean, code, and enter survey data. Some of their lives have been personally touched by breast cancer, but all are dedicated to the success of this important research.
In Memorium
Robert Millikan
Dr. Robert Millikan, the Barbara Sorenson Hulka Distinguished Professor of Cancer Epidemiology, died Sunday, October 7, 2012, at age 55. Bob had been involved in CBCS since its inception in 1993. He designed and directed Phase 3 of the study until his death. A member of the epidemiology faculty at UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health and of UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center since 1993, Dr. Millikan’s research in cancer epidemiology brought hope for better understanding and treatment of breast cancer, particularly for young Black women who disproportionately die from the disease.
Bob was an exceptional scholar, teacher, mentor and colleague. He has been missed not only for his contributions to the department, school, and university, but also to the larger community, including the national breast cancer advocacy community. The UNC Department of Epidemiology website hosts a tribute and memorial page in Bob’s honor.