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research New study focuses on the sisters of women with breast cancer Connie Orr of Novi, Michigan, and Barbara Misch of Rensselaer, Indiana, are both sisters of women who had breast cancer and found a way to contribute to the fight against the disease. Connie, Barbara, and thousands of others across the country have signed up to participate in the Sister Study, which focuses on the sisters of women with breast cancer.  The American Cancer Society is a partner organization in the study and uses our events to recruit women to participate. The study concentrates on understanding how women's genes, lifestyles, and environments influence their risk of breast cancer. The disease is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women; over 40,000 deaths are expected in 2006.The study plans to follow 50,000 women between the ages of 35 and 74 whose sisters have had breast cancer, but who have not had the disease themselves. It is critical that women of all races, ethnic groups, and ages participate in the study. Barbara serves as a recruiter in her area for Latina and elderly women. "The disease affects every walk of life and we are reaching out to women of all races, colors, and backgrounds," she said. The sisters Connie heard about the study in 2004 from her sister, Sherrill Jackson, a 14-year breast cancer survivor who serves on the study's Recruitment and Retention Advisory Board, and immediately signed up to participate. "My own sister has been through so much and helped so many people cope with breast cancer and maintain hope and optimism," she said. "I was so glad to make my contribution for the fight for the cure for breast cancer." Barbara, who lost two of her sisters to breast cancer, heard about the study in 2005 from a friend. She was inspired to participate to honor her sisters and benefit her daughters, granddaughters, and nieces. "I think it is hard to see your sister suffer and this study is a powerful way to do something that will make a difference in the research," she said. The research Funded by the National Institute for Environmental Health Sciences, it is the first long-term study to collect detailed environmental information. Researchers will follow participants for ten years and compare the women who go on to develop breast cancer with those who do not, to identify environmental and genetic causes of the disease. After signing up, all participants have a home visit conveniently set up around their schedules. A nurse visits to draw blood and conduct a brief medical examination. Participants collect urine samples, toenail clippings, and house dust samples, as well as complete four questionnaires and a phone interview. Each following year, they are asked to provide health updates and fill out a questionnaire or do a telephone interview. To date, 28,695 women have enrolled in the study, with 554 in Indiana and 1,134 in Michigan. To find out more, please visit the study's website, www.sisterstudy.org, or call 1-877-4SISTER. Remember, to qualify for this study you must: have a blood-related sister who had cancer, be between the ages of 35 and 74, have never had breast cancer yourself, and live in the United States or Puerto Rico. People who don't qualify for the study can still get involved by encouraging other women to enroll or becoming a Sister Study volunteer in their community! Pictured above: Connie Orr with her sister, Sherrill Jackson. | |
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