African American women have higher rates of premenopausal breast cancer than women of European ancestry. They are also more likely to die of breast cancer. The Army of Women asks, “Is it possible that there are certain inherited genetic mutations that may explain why?” A research team at the University at Buffalo thinks the answer is yes. And they need African American women who were diagnosed with breast cancer of any stage, AND their relatives to help them find out.

The Army of Women is recruiting women across the United States to participate a study that will look at why some African American families have multiple cases of breast cancer. All necessary participation in the study will be handled through the mail.

To participate, you must match ALL of these MAIN categories:

• You are a woman older than 18 years of age
• You identify as Black/African American
• You were diagnosed with breast cancer of any stage, including metastatic disease and DCIS. There is no time limit since diagnosis and it is OK if you are currently receiving treatment.
• You have EITHER:
  • a sister who has never been diagnosed with breast cancer who would also like to participate in the study

  OR:

  • at least one living female blood relative who was diagnosed with breast cancer of any stage (including metastatic disease and DCIS). The relative can be your mother, daughter, sister, grandmother, granddaughter, aunt, niece, or first cousin.
• You have tested negative for the BRCA 1 and 2 mutations (if known). If you do not know your status, you can still participate in the study.
• You live in the United States.

If you match the categories above and want to participate, RSVP here. After you RSVP, the researcher will ask you additional questions to be sure that this study is the right fit for you.

Think about participating and passing on this opportunity to your friends! You could be part of a major discovery that will affect every single woman in the United States!

Information on this study drawn from the Army of Women materials (via studies@armyofwomen.org).