Susceptibility to Breast Cancer

Study Summary

This study will explore whether different forms, or variants, of genes are related to a person s risk of developing breast cancer. The genes that are looked at have no clinical significance today, and thus will not impact your personal healthcare at this time. However, these results may help researchers better understand why some people develop breast cancer and others do not. The study will try to determine: if people with breast cancer have different gene variants from people without the disease; if these genetic differences influence a person s susceptibility to breast cancer when they are exposed to certain environmental substances, such as nicotine and estrogen; and if breast cancer that occurs in families is related to a grouping of these variants. The study will also look for certain proteins, cells, or other substances in fluid aspirated (by the use of gentle suction; no needles) from the nipple that might represent a pattern, or "fingerprint," indicating increased risk for breast cancer. Study participants will complete questionnaires on cancer risk factors, diet, and family history. A small blood sample (3 tablespoons) will be drawn for study of genetic differences between people with breast cancer and people who are cancer-free. Nipple aspirations, a noninvasive method to obtain fluid from a women s breast, will be attempted 4 to 6 times, over a 4 6 week period. For this procedure, the subject places a warm moist towel over the breasts for about 20 minutes. The breasts are then cleansed with a rubbing alcohol pad. The subject compresses the breast with both hands and a small plastic cup is inverted over the breast. Suction is applied to a small syringe (no needles) attached to the cup for about 15 seconds. The procedure may be repeated up to 5 times on each breast. Any drops of fluid obtained from the nipple will be collected in a glass tube. ...