Thanks to United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW), the medical community may be better able to detect and prevent blood cancers before they occur, and better treat them after diagnosis. Dr. Ali Karsan, a physician-scientist at BC Cancer and Professor of Pathology at UBC, is researching acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), a type of blood cancer. UFCW is helping fund this research on how APL can develop when pieces of DNA become incorrectly joined together through a process known as a chromosomal translocation. His research seeks to understand why cells that experience DNA damage are sometimes able to survive and eventually contribute to the development of leukemia. 

Because these chromosomal translocations can occur after patients receive chemotherapy or radiation treatment for other cancers, it can lead some individuals to develop APL as a secondary cancer. By studying these early biological events, Dr. Karsan’s team aims to identify people who may be at higher risk of leukemia and ultimately uncover new opportunities for prevention and treatment. 

Dr. Karsan’s research is funded in part by United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW), whose long-standing commitment to the blood cancer community of over 40 years has led to their members having raised more than $54 million for the cause. UFCW's sustained support is helping advance research into the causes of leukemia, with the goal of improving risk prediction, prevention, and treatment for individuals and families affected by blood cancer.  cancers have increased more than any cancer in the past two decades.

LLSC is honoured that our long-standing partners at UFCW Canada have helped create more life moments, milestones and memories for individuals affected by a blood cancer.