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New study looks further into Breast Cancer
Seven's On Call
By Dr. Jay Adlersberg
(New York-WABC, July 25, 2006) - It's well known that most lung cancers are caused by tobacco but with breast cancer the cause is unknown. Scientists are continually trying to find that answer and now a new approach in a very large study.
Seven's On Call with Dr. Jay Adlersberg.
Women every year are diagnosed with breast cancer and why one woman gets it and another one doesn't is a baffling mystery. Are there environmental causes?
Researchers are asking the question by studying the sisters of women diagnosed with breast cancer. And they are looking for more women to join the study.
Barbara Moore, sister of cancer victim: "Here's a picture of Mary, me and my brother..."
Sorting her family pictures is a bittersweet activity for Brooklyn resident, Barbara Moore.
There's her sister, Mary Catherine, who died of breast cancer a few years ago.
Barbara Moore, sister of cancer victim: "Sometimes today when I think about it, its really devastating."
The loss was understandably painful for the family and then Barbara found out about the sister study.
Barbara: "I thought, I have to do this because everybody should know."
The sister study is nationwide and still recruiting sisters of women diagnosed with the disease or those who've lost a sister.
The researchers need 50,000 women of all ages and ethnic groups.
A representative from the study will make an initial visit and take samples of blood, urine and toe nails.
Barbara is committed to answering questionnaires every year.
Dr. Dale Sandler, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences: "What's unique about our study is that we're placing emphasis on environmental exposures, things that are in your home and in the air."
For Barbara, her commitment to the study is as much for her sister as it is for her daughters and granddaughters.
"I hope at least if not I my lifetime, but certain in my granddaughters life tie, they will find out what causes breast cancer," she said.
They're still recruiting women who have or had a sister with breast cancer.