Early Onset Breast Cancer Family Study

What is the purpose of this study?  

The Breast Cancer Family Registry is now recruiting new participants into a project called the “Early Onset Breast Cancer Family Study”. Each of our international sites is enrolling participants into this new study. Reach out to one of our research coordinators if you are interested in learning more!

The purpose of the Early Onset Breast Cancer Family Study is to recruit individuals diagnosed with breast cancer before the age of 45 and their relatives to participate in our ongoing cohort, the Breast Cancer Family Registry (BCFR). Most cancer studies have not included adults under the age of 45, due to its rarity. Because of this, very little is known about breast cancer in younger individuals. In response to the rising incidence of breast cancer diagnoses in young people internationally, the researchers in the BCFR felt that it is important to diversify our existing cohort. By inviting individuals diagnosed with breast cancer at younger ages, as well as their family members, we hope to learn more about early onset breast cancer and other health conditions.

What will I do in the study?  

You will be asked to: 

• Complete questionnaires about your health, medical history, family history, and lifestyle over time. 

• Provide a blood and urine sample. 

• Give permission for the study to obtain records of any past mammograms or MRIs. 

• If you’ve had surgery, we may ask for surgical tissue samples for research. 

• Invite a female family member aged 18-79 years to participate in the Registry (optional). 

 

What is the Breast Cancer Family Registry?  

The Breast Cancer Family Registry is a research program funded by the U.S. government that has been established as a resource for future research studies on many different topics, including ways to prevent, diagnose, and treat cancer, especially breast cancer. Researchers will use data and specimens collected from you and other people who join the Early Onset Breast Cancer Family Study, as part of the Breast Cancer Family Registry, for many different studies. By agreeing to participate in the Early Onset Breast Cancer Family Study, participants agree to participate in the Breast Cancer Family Registry and to share your data and samples with the Breast Cancer Family Registry. By looking for patterns, researchers may learn more about what affects people’s health. 

Why should you join?   

• Contribute to hundreds of cancer studies. 

• Help scientists understand how genetics, lifestyle, and environment affect cancer risk. 

• Benefit future generations by providing essential data that can change the course of breast cancer treatment.