The National Cancer Institute, in collaboration with the Triana Area Medical Fund and the College of Nursing at the University of Alabama in Huntsville, is conducting a study to investigate the possible effects of environmental exposures, such as the pesticide DDT and other organochlorines compounds, on the risk of breast cancer. Individuals covered by the Triana Area Medical Fund and other nearby residents were asked to participate.

To evaluate the risk of breast cancer associated with organochlorines exposures among predominatly African-American women. The project is comprised of two major components (1) comparison of blood serum levels of DDT, DDE and other organochlorines compounds (PCB's hexachlorobenzene, Beta-benzine hexachloride, oxychloradane, trans-nonachlor, and heptachlor epoxide) among members of the Triana Area Medical Fund population with a high percentage of mammographic densities to women without this condition and (2) methodologic investigations on organochlorines retention/decay patterns within the well-characterized Triana Area Fund population.

The investigators offered mammographic screening to all women within the cohort over the age of 35 (about 350), as well as others who requested it. As a service to the participants, the investigators provided a standard clinical chemistry on blood samples and made the results available to the subject and their physician, if they so chose. If individuals did not have a regular physician, they are assisted in locating one to provide consultation and interpretation of examination results. Standard blood chemistries were performed locally in Alabama. The remainder of the blood sample was processed and sent to NCI for analysis and storage. Serum analyses were conducted by the National Center for Environmental Health at the CDC.

Results of the mammography, clinical examination and blood chemistries were provided to the participants in a manner agreeable to each. If the subject wished, the results were sent to her private physician. The investigators made arrangements with several local hospitals to provide follow-up evaluation and therapy for women with breast diseases uncovered by mammography who lacked health insurance. Nurse practitioners or physicians involved in the study were available to discuss and explain results. For women who required additional diagnostic evaluation or therapy, they developed a follow back procedure to make sure appropriate actions are taken.

Data collection is complete (except for the height and weight information). Two hundred twenty nine women received mammograms, a physical examination, provided a serum sample (50 ml) and completed a questionnaire on diet and lifestyle factors. Analyses of the data are underway.