Predictive Value of Serum Organochlorine Levels and Breast Cancer in Occupationally Exposed Populations.
Abstract
The role of environmental factors in the etiology of breast cancer is unclear but suggestive. Exposures to organochlorine compounds have been suggested as risk factors for breast cancer because of their estrogen-like effect. The objective of this study is to determine if the high serum levels of various organochlorine compounds, detected 5-20 years before diagnosis, are risk factors for breast cancer, utilizing serums collected by the Janus Serum Bank prior to diagnosis. Since we identified too few subjects in high risk occupations and there was concern about over matching, we chose to study employed women (including farmers wives) that also includes the high risk occupations. The original plan was to analyze the estrogen and anti-estrogen compounds on separate groups of cases and controls. However, protocol reviewers suggested that the study would be stronger if all compounds were measured on the same subjects. A selection algorithm has been developed; 150 cases and 150 matched controls have been delivered to the CDC laboratory for analysis. Since only 1.1 ml of serum are available on each subject, the laboratory developed methods to assay both types of compounds on this amount of serum.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1996
- Accession Number
- ADA321815
Entities
People
- Paul A. Schulte
Organizations
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health