Siblings and Cancer

Study to explore genetic causes of disease

(HealthDay is the new name for HealthScoutNews.)

WEDNESDAY, June 11, 2003 (HealthDayNews) -- As part of a nationwide study on the genetic causes of cancer, Our Lady of Mercy Comprehensive Cancer Center in New York City is seeking siblings who have the same type of cancer.

The study is sponsored by the U.S. National Cancer Institute and is being conducted by the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group. The study will investigate genetic linkages between sisters and brothers with the same type of cancer.

The types of cancers being studied are lung, breast, colon and prostate.

"Although it is a rare event that brothers or sisters have the same type of cancer, the study will provide valuable information regarding the genetic predisposition of cancer," Dr. Peter H. Wiernik, director of Our Lady of Mercy Cancer Center, says in a news release.

Any information collected from people who take part in the voluntary study will be kept strictly confidential. You may be eligible for the study if you have had cancer of the breast, lung, prostate or colon and have a sister or brother with a history of the same type of cancer. Your sibling must also agree to take part in the study.

For more information and details on how to take part in the study, phone 718-920-9890 or 718-920-9685.

More information

Here's where you can learn more about cancer genetics.

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