Some of you probably remember posts I wrote last Fall about a research project I'm involved with at the University of Massachusetts. (That project is ongoing, and if you are nursing and have had, or are expecting to have, a biopsy, please see the study website for information on how to participate.)
The same professor, Dr. Kathleen Arcaro (shown to the right at a visit to my breastfeeding group), is now recruiting for a separate, though related study.
This study, funded by the Avon Foundation, involves research on the breastmilk of mothers who have nursed over time. Dr. Arcaro is examining the DNA of these mothers' milk to identify changes in the functioning of genes in breast epithelial cells. This will help to identify which genes' functions are being altered (or not altered) over time. The future of cancer therapy is thought to lie in a field called "epigenetics," (great video about it here) which involves the restoration of normal DNA functioning, so understanding which genes are involved in the development of breast cancer is key.
This time, we're looking for mothers who:
- Are in our area (Western Massachusetts, but anywhere within reasonable driving distance to our area may be okay)
- Had and nursed a baby in your mid-20's
- Are now in your mid 30's or older, and are nursing or pumping
- Willing to provide a milk sample.
Participants also fill out a questionnaire, and receive $25 in thanks. If that sounds like you, please email me. More information is available at Dr. Arcaro's website.
Want to get email updates from the Motherwear Breastfeeding Blog? Subscribe here. Want an RSS feed? Subscribe here. Want to subscribe to our breastfeeding podcasts on iTunes? Click here.
