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BMC Cancer
Background
Breast cancer is the most common female cancer worldwide. The lifetime risk of a woman
being diagnosed with breast cancer is approximately 12.5%. For women who carry the
deleterious mutation in either of the BRCA genes, BRCA1 or BRCA2, the risk of developing
breast or ovarian cancer is significantly increased. In recent years there has been
increased penetrance of BRCA1 and BRCA2 associated breast cancer, prompting investigation
into the role of modifiable risk factors in this group. Previous investigations into
this topic have relied on participants recalling lifetime weight changes and subjective
methods of recording physical activity. The influence of obesity-related biomarkers,
which may explain the link between obesity, physical activity and breast cancer risk,
has not been investigated prospectively in this group. This paper describes the design
of a prospective cohort study investigating the role of predictive and modifiable
risk factors for breast cancer in unaffected BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutation carriers.
Methods
Participants will be recruited from breast cancer family risk clinics and genetics
clinics. Lifestyle risk factors that will be investigated will include body composition,
metabolic syndrome and its components, physical activity and dietary intake. PBMC
telomere length will be measured as a potential predictor of breast cancer occurrence.
Measurements will be completed on entry to the study and repeated at two years and
five years. Participants will also be followed annually by questionnaire to track
changes in risk factor status and to record cancer occurrence. Data will be analysed
using multiple regression models. The study has an accrual target of 352 participants.
Discussion
The results from this study will provide valuable information regarding the role of
modifiable lifestyle risk factors for breast cancer in women with a deleterious mutation
in the BRCA gene. Additionally, the study will attempt to identify potential blood
biomarkers which may be predictive of breast cancer occurrence.
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