Professor Sharon Kilbreath
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Qualifications: PhD, MAppSci (Physio), BSc (Physio) Positions held:
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Biography
ProfessorSharon Kilbreath received her physiotherapy undergraduate and master's degrees in Canada, whilst her Ph.D. degree in neurophysiology was conferred from the University of New South Wales, Australia. She is an Professor in Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Sydney and a National Breast Cancer Research Foundation Research Fellow. Professor Kilbreath's research focuses on issues arising from treatment for breast cancer. Her research spans both laboratory-based and clinical research. Laboratory-based research has been undertaken to identify issues related to fatigue following chemotherapy, whereas her clinical research is directed at rehabilitation of patients' impairments and disabilities resulting from treatment of breast cancer. She leads a team of senior researchers, clinicians and several postdoctoral students in projects that aim firstly to prevent physical morbidities from occurring as result from treatment of breast cancer and secondly to diagnose and treat lymphoedema, one of the major complications of treatment.
Teaching and Service Responsibilities
- 2007- Present: Member; NSW Cancer Institute's Breast Oncology Group advisory committee
- 2008 - 2010: Member, University of Sydney Human Ethics Committee (previously a member 1999 - 2001)
- 2008 - Present: Member, Cancer Australia Research Advisory Group
- 2008 - Present: Member, Scientific Advisory Committee, PC4
- 2009: Reviewer, Cancer Australia Priority-driven Grant
- 2003 - 2009: Deputy Chair / member, NHRMC Grants Review Panel (Primary Care)
- 2009 - Present: Chair, Scientific Advisory Committee, PC4
- 2009 - 2010: Invited member, Advisory group for CC NSW "Healthy lifestyle and risk modification program for cancer survivors and their partners/caregivers.
- 2009 - Present: President International Academy of Physical Therapy Research (JIAPTR), the inaugural journal for physiotherapists in South Korea.
Research Opportunities
Selected Publications
- Crobsie, J., Kilbreath, S., Dylke, E., Refshauge, K., Nicholson, L. B., JM, Spillane, A. & While, K. 2010. Effects of mastectomy on shoulder and spinal kinematics during bilateral upper limb movement. Physical Therapy.
- Czerniec, S., Ward, L. C., Refshauge, K., Beith, J., Lee, M., York, S. & Kilbreath, S. 2010. Assessment of breast cancer-related arm lymphoedema–comparison of physical measurement methods and self-report. Cancer Investigations, 28, 54-62.
- Kilbreath, S., Ward, C., Lane, K., McNeely, M., Dylke, E., Refshauge, K., McKenzie, D., Lee, M., Peddle, C. & Battersby, K. 2010. Effect of air travel on lymphedema risk in women with history of breast cancer. Breast Cancer Research and Treatment.
- Lee, T. S., Kilbreath, S. L., Refshauge, K. M., Herbert, R. D. & Beith, J. M. 2008a. Prognosis of the upper limb following surgery and radiation for breast cancer. Breast Cancer Research & Treatment, 110, 19-37.
- Lee, T. S., Kilbreath, S. L., Refshauge, K. M., Pendlebury, S. C., Beith, J. M. & Lee, M. J. 2007. Pectoral stretching program for women undergoing radiotherapy for breast cancer. Breast Cancer Research & Treatment, 102, 313-21.
- Lee, T. S., Kilbreath, S. L., Refshauge, K. M., Pendlebury, S. C., Beith, J. M. & Lee, M. J. 2008b. Quality of life of women treated with radiotherapy for breast cancer. Supportive Care in Cancer, 16, 399-405.
- Merchant, C. R., Chapman, T., Kilbreath, S. L., Refshauge, K. M. & Krupa, K. 2008. Decreased muscle strength following management of breast cancer. Disability & Rehabilitation, 30, 1098-105.
- Ward, L., Kilbreath, S. & Cornish, B. 2008. Bioelectrical impedance analysis for early detection of lymphedema. In: WEISSLEDER, H. & SCHUCHHARDS, C. (eds.) Lymphedema diagnosis and therapy. Viavital Gmbh.
Selected Grants
- Kilbreath SL (2009-2013). Physical rehabilitation following breast cancer. National Breast Cancer Research Foundation Career Fellowship Award (Research Fellow). $1,000,000.
- Kilbreath SL, Ward LC, Refshauge KM, Baldock C, Bailey DL, Giuffre B, Lee MJ. (2009-2011) Clinical correlates of lymphoedema. Cancer Australia (with NBCF) $425,450.
- Kilbreath SL, Refshauge KM, Simpson J, Ward LC, Ung O, Beith J.(2009-2011) Incidence and risk factors for lymphoedema secondary to breast cancer: a prospective cohort study. Cancer Australia (with NBCF). $594,286.
- Kilbreath SL, Refshauge K,Beith JM, Ward LC, Sanbrook P, Clifton-Bligh P, Simpson J. (2008-2011) Prevention of osteoporosis as a consequence of hormone treatment in postmenopausal women treated for breast cancer. Cancer Australia (with NBCF). $418,950.
- Kilbreath, SL, Refshauge K, Beith J, Simpson J, Hansen R, Ward L. (2006 - 2008) A RCT of stretching and strengthening to reduce shoulder/arm morbidity following breast cancer surgery. Cancer Council NSW. $341,800.