Early Life Processes, Endocrine Mediators, and Number of Susceptible Cells in Relation to Breast Cancer Risk
Abstract
The aim of the project was to investigate the role of early life processes, endocrine mediators and number of susceptible cells on adult life breast cancer risk. Based on the hypothesis that breast cancer risk is a function of number of mammary gland cells at risk of transformation and that this number is largely modulated by perinatal events and conditions, five component projects were initiated. The first three focused on perinatal characteristics, including immediate postnatal growth, in relation to mammary gland mass and breast cancer risk, whereas the last two explored the relation of pregnancy hormones with breast cancer risk and with cellular populations that are likely to correlate with mammary stem cell potential. The five projects were interlinked and they addressed the hypothesis that growth and mammotropic hormones in perinatal life affect the number of susceptible mammary gland cells. This number is likely to be reflected in birth size and rate of postnatal growth that, in turn, represent intermediate steps and correlates of mammary gland mass and breast cancer risk in adult life. The progress on each component project (CP) will be reported separately to facilitate the reader.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2011
- Accession Number
- ADA545085
Entities
People
- Dimitrios Trichopoulos
Organizations
- Harvard College