Eligibility: Identical and fraternal female twins who previously participated in the Australian Twins and Sisters Breast Density Study (2005-2007).
Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in Australian Women. Each year, almost 17,000 women are newly diagnosed, and nearly 3,000 women die from breast cancer. Epidemiological studies have identified a number of factors that can be used to predict which women are more likely to develop breast cancer. However, these risk factors show only a weak association with breast cancer. Since your participation in the last phase of the Australian Twins and Sisters Breast Density Study, we have discovered ground-breaking ways to measure a mammogram to improve risk prediction for breast cancer. Although such newly discovered measures cannot be used alone to predict breast cancer, they provide a substantial improvement to risk prediction in populations.
What is involved?
Participation in this phase involves two parts:
- If you went to BreastScreen, your doctor or a clinic to have a mammogram in the last 10 years, we want your permission for your mammogram to be released to us for research purposes. We will ask you about your mammogram and information that will help us arrange the access and transfer of the mammogram. Mammograms done in the last 10 years are digital, therefore we will arrange a secure and confidential transfer of the file to our secure data servers at the University of Melbourne.
- You will also be asked to complete a questionnaire about your health and lifestyle, as well as questions about your reproductive and menstrual history, and your family history. This should take approximately 30 minutes to complete.
Participation in both parts of this study is completely voluntary, so you can choose to complete one or both components.
Who is eligible?
Identical and fraternal female twins who previously participated in the Australian Twins and Sisters Breast Density Study (2005-2007) and who have had at least one mammogram in the last 10 years.
Would you like to get involved?
If you would like to participate or find out more please contact us.
Recruitment:
April 2020 – Ongoing
