Bernstein was honored at the NCI annual retreat in Bethesda, Md. In addition to receiving the award, Bernstein delivered a lecture on reducing breast cancer risk through biology and epidemiology.

“Dr. Bernstein not only has contributed important findings to the field of cancer epidemiology, but she commits her time to mentor other young scientists and lend her biostatistical knowledge to countless studies,” said Smita Bhatia, M.D., M.P.H., chair of City of Hope’s Department of Population Sciences. “We’re delighted to see her honored by her peers.”

Bernstein’s research primarily has focused on how personal and lifestyle factors affect risk of breast cancer and other malignancies including non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. She also has studied how such lifestyle factors influence disease prognosis and quality of life among survivors.

She contributes to national and international research, serving as a chair or member of several advisory committees for studies significant to women’s health, including the Nurse’s Health Study at Harvard University and the Breakthrough Generations Breast Cancer Program in the U.K.  Bernstein also serves as president for the Society of Epidemiologic Research.

The award is sponsored by the National Institutes of Health Women Scientist Advisors. Named after a pioneering female scientist instrumental to the discovery of the DNA double helix, the award highlights prominent women who have distinguished themselves in the investigation of cancer and its origins and treatment. Bernstein is the ninth researcher to receive the award since it was established last decade.