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Breast Cancer
Project
Contact: Dr.
Nilufer Clubwala
Zarathushti women have
a two to three fold increased incidence of breast cancer, according to
studies carried out in India. The reasons for this are not clear. Dr.
Mary Claire King's Laboratory at the University of Washington in Seattle
has embarked on a project to see if they can identify a genetic cause
to explain this increased incidence.
Dr. King and her colleagues were the first to prove
that breast cancer can be inherited. They are interested in working with
the Parsi community. Hereditary breast cancer accounts for only about
5-10% of all breast cancers.
The lab needs the participation of families with
two or more individuals with breast or ovarian cancer who are still living
and willing to participate.
All that is needed is a small sample of blood and a
family history. Materials for blood drawing and the family history questionnaire
will be mailed to the participants on request. Once the blood is drawn
(ususlly by a lab technician or at a physician's office) and the forms
are filled in, the package has to be sent by Federal Express to the King
Laboratory.
All expenses pertaining to the testing and transportation
of materials will be paid for by the lab. The results will be kept confidential.
Interested individuals should contact
Nancy Hanson
University of Washington Medical Center,
Division of Medical Genetics,
King Laboratory, Box 357720
Seattle, WA 98195-7720
Tel 206-616-4293
Fax 206-616-4295
e-mail nbh@u.washington.edu
This project is being facilitated by Dr.Nilufer Clubwala. Nilufer is a
practicing pediatrician in Orange County, New York. She will be happy
to answer any questions about the project. She can be contacted at: Tel
845-294-2304 e-mail Kaikac@frontiernet.net