Susceptibility to Breast Cancer

Cancer risk, even among those with similar environmental exposures is not uniformly distributed. Although we have been able to identify genetic factors whose variants appear to significantly alter an individual's risk of developing breast cancer (BRCA1 and BRCA2), these genes are likely involved with less than 10% of breast cancer cases. Perhaps more applicable to the general population are genes which, while not directly involved with the oncogenic process, may have variants (polymorphisms) which act indirectly by increasing the risk of an oncogenic change within a cell. It is the goal of this proposal to look at genes, environment, clinical co-factors, and, if possible, any interactions in breast cancer. The ultimate objective of these studies is to establish an effective way of identifying individuals at greatest risk for cancer. We will evaluate the risk of breast cancer associated with polymorphisms in genes involved in estrogen metabolism and action. We will also evaluate the association of breast density and polymorphisms in genes associated with estrogen metabolism and action. In addition, we will also evaluate nipple aspirate fluid and breast duct lavage fluid as another potential source of promising biomarkers of risk.