Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute researchers, looking for better and safe ways to prevent breast cancer, are seeking volunteers for a new research study.
Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute's Dr. Andrea Manni, and Karam El-Bayoumy, have received $7.5 million from the Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation to study the effect of a low dose of anti-estrogen medication and omega-3 fatty acids combination on reducing high breast density, a known risk factor for breast cancer.
This study focuses on breast cancer prevention and seeks to discover new methods and test new drugs to block specific pathways that can contribute to the development of cancer cells. It is hoped that these new strategies will stop different triggers for cancer development.
Healthy, postmenopausal women are needed to help with the study. Participants will be asked to provide urine and blood samples and complete questionnaires. Compensation is provided. For more information on eligibility, call Cynthia DuBrock, at (717) 531-4300.
Anti-estrogens, such as Tamoxifen, used in breast cancer treatment and prevention, and Raloxifene, used in prevention only, block the female hormone estrogen, which may speed tumor growth. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential nutrients found in fish and flax seed that may also have anti-tumor action, in addition to additional health benefits such as reduction in cardiovascular risk.
Susan G. Komen for the Cure is a foundation that supports breast cancer research. It has helped train more than 400 breast cancer researchers and funded more than 1,800 research projects in its 26-year history.