The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) will study the environmental and genetic causes of breast cancer among sisters of women diagnosed with breast cancer
Enrollment for the Sister Study opened October 18 across the United States. NIEHS is an arm of the National Institutes of Health. The study is the largest study of its kind to look at breast cancer risk factors.
Women of all backgrounds and ethnic groups are eligible for the study if they are between the ages of 35 and 74 and live in the United States. While participants must have never had breast cancer themselves, they must have a sister -- living or deceased -- who has had breast cancer.
The Sister Study will take the most detailed look ever at how women’s genes and things women come in contact with at home, work and in the community may influence breast cancer risk.
“By studying sisters, who share the same genes, often had similar experiences and environments, and are at twice the risk of developing breast cancer, we have a better chance of learning what causes this disease,” said lead researcher Dale Sandler, Ph.D.
At the beginning, volunteers will complete several questionnaires and provide a sample of their blood, urine, toenails and household dust.
“With that, we’ll be able to look at how genes, activities of daily life and exposure to different things in our environment are related to breast cancer risk,” Sandler said. “We’ve made the process as easy and as convenient as possible, so we will come to you.”
The landmark study will stay in touch with the volunteers for 10 years and compare those who develop breast cancer with the majority who do not.
