More information
Support groups and advocacy organizations
Breastcancer.org: This non-profit organization provides resources, information and support for women interested in discussing topics related to breast cancer.
Susan G. Komen for the Cure: This non-profit organization links breast cancer survivors and activists interested in finding a cure for breast cancer. Call (800) 462-9273.
American Cancer Society: The society provides accurate and up-to-date information about breast cancer and resources for preventing, recognizing and treating cancer. Call (800) 227-2345.
The National Cancer Institute: This federally funded agency provides resources for men and women and information on the latest research and clinical trials. Call the institute's Cancer Information Service at (800) 422-6237.
Clinical trials: where to find them
Clinical trials are the main way that researchers discover whether preventive strategies and treatments are safe and effective.
To learn more and find out about trials that are looking for participants, visit the Web site of the National Cancer Institute or call (800) 422-6237. Participating in a trial can help you learn more about your specific situation and may lead to new knowledge and help for others.
Further reading: prevention
Key, Timothy et al. Journal of the National Cancer Institute, vol. 95, p. 1218, August 2003. "Body mass index, serum sex hormones, and breast cancer risk in postmenopausal women." This paper confirms the link between excess body weight and increased risk of breast cancer.
Madigan, M. Patricia et al. Journal of the National Cancer Institute, vol. 87, p. 1681, Nov. 15, 1995. "Proportion of breast cancer cases in the United States explained by well-established risk factors." This research paper identifies risk factors for developing breast cancer.
Robson, Mark and K. Offit. New England Journal of Medicine, vol. 357, p. 154, July 12, 2007. "Management of an inherited predisposition to breast cancer." This article summarizes treatment options for women with a hereditary risk of breast cancer.
Yager, James and N. Davidson. New England Journal of Medicine, vol. 354, p. 270, Jan. 19, 2006. "Estrogen carcinogenesis in breast cancer." This review summarizes the effects of estrogen exposure on breast cancer.
Further reading: genetics
Cox, A. et al. Nature Genetics, vol. 39, p. 352, Feb. 11, 2007. "A common coding variant in CASP8 is associated with breast cancer risk."
Easton, D.F. et al. Nature, vol. 447, p. 1087, June 28, 2007. "Genome-wide association study identifies novel breast cancer susceptibility loci."
Stacey, S.N. et al. Nature Genetics, vol. 39, p. 865, July 2007. "Common variants on chromosomes 2q35 and 16q12 confer susceptibility to estrogen-receptor-positive breast cancer."