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National Cancer Institute U.S. National Institutes of Health www.cancer.gov
Hormonal and Reproductive Epidemiology Branch

Breast Cancer

Breast Cancer Pink Ribbon

Women's Interview Study of Health (WISH), Case-Control Study of Breast Cancer Among Younger Women

A population-based case-control study of breast cancer was undertaken to address a number of etiologic hypotheses best addressed among younger women, including effects on risk of oral contraceptive usage, dietary and physical activity patterns early in life, and prenatal factors. The study was conducted in three different geographic areas: Atlanta, New Jersey, and Seattle. Controls were identified through random digit dialing, although one site also employed a series of women identified through a complex area survey sampling technique. The majority of the subjects were younger than 45 years of age, although the age range was extended at one site to 55 years to allow a broader perspective on several issues. Detailed interviews and anthropometric measurements were undertaken. Pre-operative blood samples were obtained at one site from early stage cases and controls. More information, Louise Brinton.

BCDDP Follow-Up Study

The Breast Cancer Detection Demonstration Project Follow-up Study involves approximately 64,000 women who were participants in the Breast Cancer Detection Demonstration Project, a 5-year screening program conducted between 1973 and 1980 at 29 centers throughout the United States. The follow-up study began in 1980 and follow-up continued through 1998. Information on cancer diagnoses, benign breast procedures, and exposure to established and hypothesized cancer risk factors has been ascertained through questionnaires administered over the course of the follow-up study. Researchers are analyzing exogenous hormones, lifestyle factors, and other risk factors for breast, ovarian, endometrial, and colorectal cancers. More information, James Lacey.

Case-Control Study in Poland

We are conducting a population-based study of breast, ovarian, and endometrial cancer in two major cities in Poland, Warsaw and Lodz. We are planning to enroll about 2,850 breast cancer cases, 450 ovarian cancer cases, 450 endometrial cancer cases and 2,850 controls during a 3-year period, starting in February 2000. Data collection includes a personal interview, anthopometric measurements, physical activity monitors, and collection of biological specimens including cryopreserved whole blood, serum, plasma, buffy coat, urine, paraffin tissue blocks, and snap frozen tissue samples. Major areas of interest are the relationship of risk to genetic polymorphisms, physical activity, body size, active and passive smoking, alcohol and occupational exposures. The study will also evaluate the influence of genetic factors on the effects of risk factors of breast cancer, ovarian, and endometrial cancer such as reproductive and hormone related factors and obesity. More information, Montserrat García-Closas.

The Collaborative Breast Cancer Study in the U.S.

We are collaborating with extramural investigators to collect buccal cell samples from about 5,000 cases and 5,000 controls participating in an extramural population-based case-control study of breast cancer in the states of Wisconsin, Massachusetts and New Hampshire. The primary aim of this collaboration is to evaluate the influence of genetic polymorphisms on environmental risk factors for breast cancer. The study will also evaluate the risk of major breast cancer genes such a BRCA1 and BRCA2. More information, Montserrat García-Closas.