National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences Sister Study

Studies continue to uncover lifestyle factors and habits that alter breast cancer risk. Ongoing studies are looking at the effect of exercise, weight gain or loss, and diet on breast cancer risk.

Studies on the best use of genetic testing for BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations continue at a rapid pace. Other genes that contribute to breast cancer risk are also being identified. This will occur more rapidly now that the human genome has been sequenced.

A large, long-term study funded by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) is now under way to help find the causes of breast cancer. Known as the Sister Study, it will follow 50,000 women for at least 10 years and will collect information about genes, lifestyle, and environmental factors that may cause breast cancer. To be eligible for the study, a woman must:

* live in the United States
* be between the ages of 35 and 74
* have a sister (related by blood) who has had breast cancer
* not have had breast cancer herself

Women who want to find out more about the Sister Study can call 1-877-4-SISTER (1-877-474-7837) or visit the Sister Study Web site (www.sisterstudy.org).