SEATTLE, Dec. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Many people start the new year with well-
intentioned resolutions that by mid-January often seem as stale as the fruit-
cake crumbs hiding under the sofa. Those seeking a little extra incentive to
get off the couch and make a difference in 2006 might consider participating
in cancer-prevention research at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
(please see sidebar).
Several studies are seeking local healthy participants, including one that
may help those who resolve to shed those extra holiday pounds: an exercise
study to assess the effect of physical activity on breast-cancer risk. Other
projects recruiting participants include food studies to help determine how
fruits and vegetables may influence the body's cancer-fighting ability and
drug studies to evaluate the potential of various cancer-prevention agents,
such as aspirin.
In addition to the satisfaction of helping in the fight against cancer,
the side benefits of participating in prevention research -- depending on the
study -- could include working out for a year at a state-of-the-art exercise
facility under the guidance of an exercise specialist, receiving a month of
free prepared meals, getting free cancer screenings and earning some extra
cash.
To learn more about Hutchinson Center prevention studies that are
accepting eligible participants, visit
http://www.fhcrc.org/donating/other/study/ or call the National Cancer
Institute's Cancer Information Service, 1-800-4-CANCER.
At Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, our interdisciplinary teams of
world-renowned scientists and humanitarians work together to prevent, diagnose
and treat cancer, HIV/AIDS and other diseases. Our researchers, including
three Nobel laureates, bring a relentless pursuit and passion for health,
knowledge and hope to their work and to the world. For more information,
please visit fhcrc.org.
SIDEBAR
HUTCHINSON CENTER STUDIES ACCEPTING SELF-REFERRALS INCLUDE:
The NEW Study -- The Nutrition and Exercise Study for Women aims to
recruit more than 500 Seattle-area women for a study that examines the effects
of exercise and nutrition on breast-cancer risk factors. The study seeks
healthy, overweight and sedentary postmenopausal women (ages 50 to 75) who are
willing to travel to Fred Hutchinson for a yearlong exercise or nutrition
intervention. Those who qualify must be willing to not participate in any
other exercise or weight-loss programs during the 12-month study enrollment.
The TEAM Study -- The Effect of Aspirin on Mammogram Density Study seeks
to recruit 144 local women for a study to determine whether a daily dose of
regular-strength (325 mg) aspirin decreases mammogram density when taken for
six months. Mammogram density appears on a mammogram as a whitish cloudiness,
thus making mammograms more difficult to read.
The ExCel Study -- The ExCel Study for Women seeks to determine whether a
certain medication can reduce the risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal
women who are at high risk of developing the disease. The drug being tested is
exemestane, a drug that reduces the production of estrogen. Participants will
be randomly assigned (like the toss of a coin) to take exemestane alone or
receive placebo medications. Participation will last five years. This
international, multicenter study will involve more than 4,560 women. The
Hutchinson Center aims to recruit 200 Seattle-area participants.
The DIGEST Study -- The Dietary Influences on Glucuronidation (DIGEST)
Study is one of two studies being conducted at the Hutchinson Center that seek
to determine how the interplay of genes and diet -- in particular, a diet rich
in plant compounds - may affect the function of the body's detoxifying
machinery. A subset of participants in the DIGEST study will be asked to
complete a month-long feeding study during which the Hutchinson Center will
provide all meals.
Shift Worker Study -- More than 300 Seattle-area female hospital and
laboratory workers are needed to participate in a study investigating the
impact of night-shift work on biological factors, such as hormone levels,
which may increase the risk of breast cancer. Participants will receive
payment for completing the study. Recent studies suggest that women who work
the night shift are at an increased risk of breast cancer, most likely because
disruptions in the sleep/wake cycle and exposure to light at night may affect
endocrine function and the regulation of hormones most directly involved in
the development of breast cancer. This study is the first of its kind to
investigate the direct influence of working night shifts on reproductive-
hormone levels that may affect breast-cancer risk.
The PROGRESS Study -- The study aims to find the genes responsible for
prostate cancer that runs in families. Finding these genes may provide clues
to help diagnose, treat, cure and even prevent the disease. However, of the
hundreds of families that have participated so far in this genetic family-
based study, only a few have been African-American families. At least 50
African-American families are needed for the data collection to be complete.
Because African Americans have the highest incidence and mortality from
prostate cancer of any group in the world, it is important for them to be
represented in the study.
For more information about these studies, please go to
http://www.fhcrc.org/donating/other/study/ or call 1-800-4-CANCER.
CONTACTS
Kristen Woodward Dean Forbes
(206) 667-5095 (206) 667-2896
kwoodwar@fhcrc.org dforbes@fhcrc.org
SOURCE Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
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Related links:
http://www.fhcrc.org
CONTACT:
Kristen Woodward, +1-206-667-5095, or
kwoodwar@fhcrc.org, or Dean Forbes, +1-206-667-2896, or
dforbes@fhcrc.org, both of Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
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