Dr. Mina Sedrak, associate professor of medicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and director of the Cancer and Aging Program at the UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, has been named the 2024 recipient of the Susan G. Komen Rising Star Researcher Award. This honor recognizes Sedrak’s innovative research at the intersection of cancer and aging, as well as his leadership in advancing breast cancer treatment and survivorship.
The Rising Star Researcher Award, presented annually to scientists whose innovative work has the potential to drive transformative changes in breast cancer research and care, is recognized as one of Komen's most prestigious honors. Sedrak’s efforts have been particularly influential in expanding the participation of older adults in clinical trials, identifying therapeutic targets, and developing strategies to address treatment-induced accelerated aging.
In addition to his scientific achievements, the award also recognizes Sedrak’s commitment to mentoring the next generation of researchers in breast cancer and aging.
"I am deeply honored to receive this recognition from the Susan G. Komen organization,” said Sedrak. “This award reflects the dedication of my team and the mentors who have inspired me to explore the often-overlooked intersections of cancer and aging. Working at the fringe of these disciplines has enabled us to tackle the unique challenges faced by older adults with breast cancer and to pioneer biology-driven, personalized strategies that optimize the long-term health of patients across all ages.”
Through his innovative research, Sedrak is redefining what it means to thrive after a breast cancer diagnosis. His work not only deepens the understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying cancer and treatment-related accelerated aging, but also paves the way for more inclusive and personalized care—empowering survivors of all ages to live longer, healthier, and more fulfilling lives.
Sedrak was also recently honored as one of nine investigators—and the only physician—selected for the 2025 cohort of the National Cancer Institute Division of Cancer Prevention Early Career Scientist Spotlight Research Seminar Series. As part of this recognition, Sedrak will deliver a public seminar highlighting his research on cancer prevention, detection and symptom science.
Sedrak’s accolades include numerous awards from the National Institute of Aging and the National Cancer Institute, such as the Paul B. Beeson Emerging Leaders in Aging Award, a GEMSSTAR Award, and Paul Calabresi Career Development Award. In 2023, he was named one of the 40 under 40 in Cancer and selected to the 2024-2025 American Society for Clinical Oncology Leadership Development cohort. He has been named one of Super Doctors Southern California Rising Stars for five years.
