Perspective from the Department of Defense Breast Cancer Research Program.

Area of Science:

• Medical Research Funding
• Public Health Initiatives
• Scientific Peer Review

Background:

• The Department of Defense Breast Cancer Research Program (BCRP) was established in 1993.
• BCRP is a public-private partnership funded by Congress, supporting approximately 1,800 research grants.
• A key initiative of BCRP is the involvement of consumers in scientific peer review.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the Breast Cancer Research Program's (BCRP) methodology for recruiting, selecting, and preparing consumers for scientific peer review.
• To discuss critical factors contributing to the BCRP's success in establishing the role of consumers on scientific review panels.
• To highlight the feasibility and unique contributions of consumers in scientific research programs.

Main Methods:

• Describing the BCRP's model for consumer involvement in scientific peer review.
• Detailing recruitment, selection, and preparation processes for consumer reviewers.
• Analyzing program management, leadership, and resource allocation critical to success.

Main Results:

• The BCRP successfully developed a model for integrating consumers, specifically breast cancer survivors, into scientific peer review panels.
• Effective program management, leadership, and resource allocation were critical to the program's success.
• The program demonstrated the feasibility and unique value of consumer participation.

Conclusions:

• The Breast Cancer Research Program (BCRP) model proves the effectiveness of consumer involvement in scientific peer review.
• Consumer participation enriches the peer review process and contributes unique perspectives.
• This foundational work supports future efforts to integrate consumers into scientific research programs.