Multigenerational Breast Cancer Risk Factors in African-American Women
Abstract
An increased rate of breast cancer has been observed in African-American women under 50 years of age. Few epidemiologic studies of breast cancer focus explicitly on African-American women, and it is not established whether standard risk factors apply. This study seeks to determine relationships between risk factors and genetics in breast cancer etiology among pre-menopausal African-American women. Breast cancer cases and their primary female relatives (PFRs), were administered several questionnaires (dietary, psychosocial, reproductive, genetic and lifestyles) related to disease risk. Cases were matched by ethnicity and age to two cancer-free women participating in a screening mammography program. DNA samples were extracted from the blood of all cases and PFRs. Data on selected reproductive risk factors indicate that cases and controls are similar except with a difference in age at first birth. The diets of cases and their PFRs were similar. More cases than controls reported taking Vitamins A, C & E. Ninety four (94) percent of cases are pleased with emotional support provided by family/friends. Further work is in progress to identify BRCA1 gene mutations in women with affected relatives with breast/ovarian cancer.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA370317
Entities
People
- Selina A. Smith
Organizations
- University of Miami