Exploring how environmental factors may increase the risk of breast cancer
Official title: Investigating Environmental Risk Factors for Breast Cancer Using Adductomics
Funded at Northwestern University at Chicago · NIH-11003304 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how things in our environment, like air pollution and alcohol, might affect the risk of breast cancer by checking for specific markers in the blood, and it's designed for women who want to understand more about these potential links.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | March 11, 2021 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $632,839 |
| NIH project number | 5R01ES031809-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11003304 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women who are part of the Sister Study cohort and are interested in understanding how environmental factors may influence their breast cancer risk.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not part of the Sister Study or those who do not have a history of breast cancer may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the links between environmental exposures and breast cancer risk using a novel approach called adductomics, which analyzes specific biomarkers in the blood. By focusing on protein adducts, particularly those formed by human serum albumin, the study aims to uncover new associations between factors like air pollution and alcohol consumption and breast cancer. The research utilizes data from the Sister Study, a nationwide cohort designed to explore these environmental risk factors, allowing for a comprehensive analysis of potential causes. Participants' blood samples will be analyzed using advanced mass spectrometry techniques to identify new biomarkers related to breast cancer risk.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the identification of new modifiable risk factors for breast cancer, potentially guiding prevention strategies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in identifying environmental risk factors for breast cancer, but this specific biomarker approach using adductomics is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Funk, William E — Northwestern University at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Funk, William E
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.