How stress during puberty affects breast health and cancer risk

Effects of chronic pubertal stressors on mammary gland biology and cancer risk

NIH-funded research University of Chicago · NIH-10890709

This study is looking at how stress during puberty might affect breast development and could lead to a higher risk of breast cancer later on, using a rat model to help understand the science behind it, and it aims to find ways to reduce these risks for people.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Chicago NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chicago, United States)
Project IDNIH-10890709 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how chronic stress during puberty influences the development of the mammary gland and its potential link to increased breast cancer risk later in life. By using a rat model that mimics human breast cancer, the study aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms by which stress hormones affect mammary gland development. The research team, consisting of experts in breast cancer biology, endocrinology, and biopsychology, will also explore interventions that could mitigate these risks. Patients may benefit from insights gained about early life stressors and their long-term effects on breast health.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would be individuals with a history of stress-related health issues or those concerned about breast cancer risk.

Not a fit: Patients who are not affected by stress or have no family history of breast cancer may not receive direct benefits from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for breast cancer prevention and care by identifying early life risk factors.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the impact of early life stress on cancer risk, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Chicago, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Breast CancerBreast Cancer ModelBreast Cancer PreventionBreast Cancer Risk Factor
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.