National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences

FACTS AT A GLANCE

Sisters of women who had breast cancer have about twice the risk of developing breast cancer themselves, a disease that will affect 1 in 8 women in the US over their lifetimes. Studying the sisters of women who had breast cancer enhances the ability to detect genetic, environmental, and lifestyle risk factors. The sisters being studied have not been diagnosed with breast cancer themselves. This information may help identify ways to prevent breast cancer.

The Sister Study is the only long-term study in the United States of women aged 35 to 74 who have sisters diagnosed with breast cancer. This important study is funded by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), one of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The study will follow 50,000 women for at least 10 years and collect information about genes and environmental factors that may cause breast cancer.

The Sister Study is currently enrolling women in Arizona, Florida, Missouri, and Rhode Island. The study will expand to all other states Fall 2004.

Women eligible for this study:

• have never had breast cancer, and
• are between the ages of 35 and 74, and
• have a sister who was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Women in the Sister Study will be asked to:

• provide samples of blood, toenails, urine, and house dust, and
• answer questions about family history, jobs, diet, medical history, and environmental surroundings
• stay in touch for the full length of the study.

To volunteer or learn more about the Sister Study, go to the web site www.sisterstudy.org or call toll free 1-877- 4SISTER (1-877-474-7837).