Breast and Ovarian Cancer Risk and Prevention
Research Studies
REACH: Risk Evaluation & Cancer History
Why is this study being done?
The REACH project collects risk factor information, blood and tissue specimens from patients and family members at high risk for breast and/or ovarian cancer. The data and specimen bank will be used as a resource to be shared with researchers working in the areas of breast and ovarian cancer risk, prevention and treatment.
Who is eligible to participate?
Individuals with an increased risk of breast cancer are eligible. You are eligible to join the study if you meet any of the following criteria:
- Personal or family history of breast cancer and/or ovarian cancer associated with at least a 20 percent chance of having a mutation in one of the known "breast cancer" genes.
- You, or a close family member, have a mutation in one of the known genes associated with increased cancer risk (BRCA1, BRCA2, p53, chk2, PTEN). However, if a test was positive in your relative, you must either be positive as well, or not have been tested yourself to be eligible for REACH.
- Family history consistent with Li-Fraumeni Syndrome (LFS), a rare inherited cancer syndrome including breast cancer, but also other cancers.
- Personal history of more than one cancer, so-called multiple primary cancers.
Personal history of precancerous lesions on breast biopsy, diagnosed before age 50. Pre-cancerous lesions include:
- Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS)
- Lobular Carcinoma In Situ (LCIS)
- Atypical Ductal Hyperplasia (ADH)
- Atypical Lobular Hyperplasia (ALH)
How long is the study?
One-time, approximately 30 minutes to fill out the questionnaire and have your blood drawn.
What is involved?
- You will be asked to complete a questionnaire and a Family History Form
- You will be asked to donate three tubes of blood (approximately six tablespoons) for use in research.
How can I get more information about REACH?
Kathryn Stoeckert
kathryn_stoeckert@dfci.harvard.edu
(617) 632-6693
