Magee-Womens Hospital is one of 11 centers in the country participating in study that will track the breast health of women who have increased risk of breast cancer.
The study, called Serial Evaluation of Ductal Epithelium, or SEDE, will follow high-risk women for five years to evaluate changes in the breast.
These changes will be measured through a minimally invasive test called ductal lavage. This procedure, which has been offered at Magee since 2001, collects through a hair-thin catheter cells from the breast milk ducts, where most cancer originates. It can identify atypical cells that years later may develop into cancer.
Participants will need to visit the hospital every six months for a clinical breast exam, nipple aspiration and possible ductal lavage for three years. For the last two years of a study, information will be gathered on women's overall health.
Most women say the ductal lavage procedure is not painful. Not all atypical cells will develop into cancer, but studies show that women with these cells and a family history of the disease face an 11 to 22 times increased risk of developing cancer.
Participants should be between the ages of 35 to 65, have a family history of breast cancer (multiple family members or other known risk factors and have no personal history of the disease. They study is funded by Cytyc Corp., a medical device company.
For more information about enrolling, call 412-641-1302 or 1-888-KNOW-RISK
First Published: February 1, 2005, 5:00 a.m.