U.S. Rep. Nick J. Rahall (D-WV) announced today that Marshall University was awarded $266,000 for breast cancer research by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' National Cancer Institute.

"According to the American Cancer Institute, one out of eight American women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer during her life, roughly 178,500 this year," said Rahall. "With this funding, Marshall University will continue to be a leader in breast cancer research and help to fight and cure this terrible disease."

This funding will allow researchers at Marshall University's Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine to study the link between diet, particularly omega-3 fatty acids, and the risk of breast cancer. Studies have shown that consumption of omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish and nuts, has beneficial effects for patients with heart disease. Marshall University researchers hope to explore the possibility that consumption of omega-3 fatty acids may also help lower the incidence of breast cancer and identify dietary changes that might reduce the risk for breast cancer.

"As a cancer survivor, I am an avid supporter of cancer research," continued Rahall. "I applaud Marshall University for their pioneering research in the fight against cancer. Together, we share a commitment to helping the patients and families across the nation affected by cancer and searching for a cure."