Multigenerational Breast Cancer Risk Factors in African-American Women

Abstract

The following describes results of a two year descriptive study, with a nested case-control design, aimed at determining relationships between risk factors and genetics in breast cancer etiology among pre-menopausal African American women. One hundred breast cancer cases (cases) (n = 100) and their primary female relatives (PFRs) (n = 154) were administered several questionnaires (psychosocial, reproductive, genetic and lifestyles) related to disease risk. Cases were matched by ethnicity and age (within 10 years) to one cancer-free woman participating in a screening mammography program (n = 100). Results showed less than 35% of Cases & Siblings believed there is a lot they can do from getting cancer compared to 9% of Mothers and 21% of Offspring. More than 50% of Cases & Siblings are pleased with the emotional support provided by family and friends, respectively. Cases reported starting their menstrual cycle at age 13 and Controls, age 12. DNA samples have been extracted from the blood of all cases and PFRs. Eight participants (19%) had a positive reported family history for breast/ovarian cancer with at least one more affected relative. Over 30% of Cases & Siblings were overweight as opposed to 2% of Mothers and 19% of Offspring.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Oct 01, 1996
Accession Number
ADB219584

Entities

People

  • Selina A. Smith

Organizations

  • University of Miami

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • African Americans
  • Body Weight
  • Breast Cancer
  • Cancer
  • Diseases And Disorders
  • Families (Human)
  • Genetics
  • Health Care
  • Health Services
  • Human Behavior
  • Medical Personnel
  • Menstrual Cycle
  • Minority Groups
  • Neoplasms
  • Ovarian Cancer
  • Risk Factors
  • Social Psychology

Fields of Study

  • Medicine
  • Psychology

Readers

  • Psychological Intervention/Treatment for Stress, Anxiety, PTSD, and Related Emotional and Cognitive Health Symptoms.
  • Women's Health and Cancer Risk Research: African American Women and Pregnancy Outcomes.

Technology Areas

  • Biotechnology