October 2005

Sisters Join Study to Find the Causes of Breast Cancer
Older Women Enroll in the Sister Study to Help Future Generations

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C.-Women whose sisters had breast cancer are joining a new study to help researchers at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences learn how the environment and genes affect the chances of getting the disease.  The Sister Study, a national breast cancer study, is enrolling 50,000 diverse women, and particularly needs the assistance of older women.

The Sister Study needs women, ages 65-74, whose sisters had breast cancer, because they have powerful information to share with the researchers.  The Sister Study is empowering women to leave their mark on breast cancer research.

Patricia Bango, a breast health advocate joined the Sister Study as a tribute to her late sister, Sally, who lost her battle to breast cancer.  “A lot of women unfortunately feel when they reach a certain age, they have escaped the possibility of developing breast cancer, and that is far from true,” said Patricia.

The chance of developing breast cancer increases with age.  Women in their 70s are almost twice as likely to get breast cancer, as women in their 50s.  Studying women ages 65 to 74, whose sister had breast cancer will provide clues to how age is involved.  Older women are also important to the Sister Study because they have a longer history of living and working in a variety of surroundings and have a longer life experience than the younger women in the study.

Sisters may be the key to unlocking breast cancer risk mysteries. “By studying sisters, who share the same genes, often had similar experiences and environments, and are at twice the risk of developing breast cancer, we have a better chance of learning what causes this disease,” said Dr. Dale Sandler, principal investigator of the Sister Study.  “That is why joining the Sister Study is so important.”  Joining the Sister Study is not difficult and can be done from home when it is convenient for participants.  “At the beginning, women will answer some over-the-phone and written surveys and provide blood, urine, household dust and toenail samples,” said Dr. Sandler.  “Then we’ll touch base once a year, for up to 10 years, to learn about changes in their address, health or environment.”  She added, “The Sister Study does not require participants to take any medicine, undergo any medical treatments, or make any changes to their habits, diet or daily life.”

The Sister Study has a number of active nationwide partners including the American Cancer Society, the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, the National Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities, the Sisters Network, Inc., and the Y-Me National Breast Cancer Organizations.

To volunteer or learn more about the Sister Study, visit the web site www.sisterstudy.org or call toll free 1-877-4SISTER (877-474-7837).  Deaf/Hard of Hearing call 1-866-TTY-4SIS (866-889-4747).