Research Think Tank Risk Factors

The Research Think Tank (RTT) Risk Factors Work Group focused on unanswered questions about what increases the risk of young women developing breast cancer. These risk factors likely differ from what causes the disease in older women.

The group was composed of advocates:

• Deb Aruta (chair)
• Diana Chingos
• Nancy Sauers
• Medha Sutliff

As well as physicians/researchers:

• Dr. W. Archie Bleyer
• Dr. Brian Czerniecki
• Ms. Jennifer Ivanovich
• Dr. Rebecca Johnson
• Dr. Jose Russo
• Dr. Irma Russo

Research Priorities

Three of the 19 research priorities recommended by the RTT focused on risk factors. Below we list the priority, indicate any progress made since the RTT and list any open trials of which we are aware related to or focusing on these research priorities.

Are there modifiable risk factors that can prevent early onset breast cancer?

Progress Made: Work In Progress

Recent research updates:

Triple negative breast cancer appears to be inversely associated with a young woman’s decision to breastfeed. Read More

Long-term oral contraceptive use is associated with a higher risk of breast cancer in young women, especially for triple negative breast cancer, but validation and additional studies are needed. Read More

Relationship of obesity and ethnicity on risk of premenopausal breast cancer was examined, with an inverse relationship for African Americans and Caucasians and a positive association in Asian women. Read More

Early age at first pregnancy, obesity and consumption of alcohol associated with reduced risk of early onset breast cancer. Read More

Current research initiatives/studies:

Phase II Study of Metformin for Reduction of Obesity-Associated Breast Cancer Risk (overweight premenopausal women)

Are there specific environmental exposures (in utero, childhood, adolescence and beyond) that increase the risk of early onset breast cancer?

Progress Made: Thumbs Down

What are the unidentified genetic risk factors that contribute to the risk of early onset breast cancer?

Progress Made: Work In Progress

Recent research updates:

A variety of genetic mutations were found in this sampling of women with early onset breast cancer, but few mutations are currently actionable. Read More

HER2+ early onset breast cancer may be influenced by inherited TP53 mutations. Read More

Current research initiatives/studies:

The ABOUT network is a patient-powered research registry created and governed by and for people affected by hereditary breast and ovarian cancer.

Get in Touch

If you believe we are missing a crucial piece of research or have not included a research study which should be here, please contact us!