16 Dec In Memoriam: Dr. Seigo Nakamura, Founder of Japan’s First Breast Center and Run for the Cure®︎ Foundation’s Medical Advisor
Message:
We are deeply saddened to share the passing of Dr. Seigo Nakamura on May 9th, 2025, who served as Run for the Cure®︎ Foundation’s medical advisor for 23 years. He was 68 years old, and had been undergoing treatment for pancreatic cancer. Dr. Nakamura was a pioneer in breast cancer care and created Japan’s first breast center, revolutionizing treatment and support for women nationwide.
Born in Tokyo in 1956, Dr. Nakamura graduated from Chiba University’s School of Medicine in 1982. He became the inaugural Director of Breast Cancer at St. Luke’s International Hospital in 2005. In 2010, he was named Professor of Breast Surgery at Showa University, (now Showa Medical University). During his time there, he established the Breast Center, and created a new treatment system for breast cancer centered on team medicine, working with specialized nurses, genetic counselors, and other healthcare professionals.
Recently, he had focused on promoting genetic counseling and genomic medicine for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome (HBOC), including establishing the Japan Organization for Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Comprehensive Care (JOHBOC), and also contributed to expanding health insurance coverage for HBOC treatments under the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.
His wisdom, kindness, and dedication guided our foundation from its earliest days. We will miss him greatly and honor his legacy through our continuing work to promote breast health in Japan.
