Stress and DNA Study

STUDY BASICS

Have you been tested for the BRCA1/BRCA2 gene mutation that increases the risk of breast & ovarian cancer? Healthy women ages 18 and up are needed for a study to help researchers understand the effects of stress on DNA. Study involves 2 visits during which participants will complete questionnaires, and provide samples of urine, blood, and saliva. Compensation provided.

STUDY PURPOSE

Recent research has shown that psychological stress can lead to changes in a person’s DNA. DNA is found in every cell in the human body and contains genetic information (or genes). Small differences in genes can affect which diseases people are at risk for and how they respond to treatment. Women who test positive for the BRCA gene – a gene associated with an increased risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer – may feel psychological stress related to their test results. The purpose of this study is to help researchers learn more about how psychological stress affects DNA. Researchers will compare women who tested positive for the BRCA gene with women who tested negative for the BRCA gene, and will also look at how other factors in women’s lives may contribute to differences in stress responses.

COULD THIS STUDY BE RIGHT FOR YOU?

• Healthy women ages 18 and up
• Not pregnant or breastfeeding
• Have regular menstrual cycles OR are post-menopausal
• Do not smoke or use tobacco
• Tested positive or negative for BRCA1/BRCA2 gene mutation (breast/ovarian cancer risk genes) OR have no history of breast/ovarian cancer in any first degree relatives (parents, brothers, sisters)

WHAT PARTICIPANTS CAN EXPECT

Participation involves two visits. An initial morning visit will last about 1-2 hours. Participants must fast (except for water) for at least 12 hours before this visit. During this visit, participants will provide their medical history, have physical and psychological assessments, and provide blood and urine samples. Participants who qualify after the initial visit will return for an additional 3 hour visit. During this visit, participants will complete questionnaires, have blood pressure and heart rate monitored, have an IV catheter placed for the collection of blood samples, provide saliva and urine samples, prepare and give a short speech, and perform a math task.