Study Will Look at Minority Breast Cancer Survival

Research to focus on why minority patients face a higher death risk

FRIDAY, Oct. 28, 2005 (HealthDay News) -- Several hundred minority women who've had breast cancer or are at high risk for the disease are being sought to take part in a University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center study that could help improve survival rates among Asian, black and Hispanic women.

"The knowledge obtained in this study will be useful in tailoring breast cancer genetic counseling and testing protocols to different populations, both locally and nationally. This new knowledge will in turn help provide effective breast cancer screening and early detection practices," researcher Dr. Gail Tomlinson, co-director of the Mary L. Brown Breast Cancer Genetic Risk Assessment Program, said in a prepared statement.

The study will enroll Asian, black and Hispanic women at high risk for breast cancer. High-risk women include: those who've had breast cancer before age 40; have had breast cancer at any age and have a first-degree relative (mother, sister or daughter) who's also had breast cancer; have not had breast cancer but have a family history of cancer with at least two first- or second-degree relatives with breast or ovarian cancer, at least one of whom developed breast cancer before menopause.

Women interested in joining the study should contact research coordinator Kristin Shelby at 214-648-1919.

Previous research found that minority women are up to 70 percent more likely than white women to die after a breast cancer diagnosis.

Women in the study will provide information about their personal medical history, family medical history and their general knowledge about genetic testing. A blood sample will be requested but isn't mandatory.

By using genetic screening for biomarkers and reviewing family health history, the UT Southwestern researchers want to identify at-risk patients and help protect them against breast cancer.

"Armed with the genetic information, we can individualize a patient's risk and recommend who will need more screening and who will need less," Tomlinson said.

More information

The American Cancer Society has more about breast cancer.

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