Investigating how a hormone from the ovaries may protect against breast cancer through breastfeeding.

Exploring ovarian-derived hormone STC1 as the mediator of the protective effect of breast feeding against breast cancer.

NIH-funded research Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · NIH-10757058

This study is looking at how a hormone made by the ovaries during breastfeeding might help lower the risk of breast cancer after pregnancy, and it could lead to new ways to protect against breast cancer for new moms.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionIcahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-10757058 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research explores the role of stanniocalcin 1 (STC1), a hormone produced by the ovaries during lactation, in reducing the risk of breast cancer associated with pregnancy. The study aims to understand how STC1 inhibits a specific protease that promotes cancer cell proliferation and immune evasion. By examining the molecular mechanisms behind the protective effects of breastfeeding, the research seeks to uncover new insights into breast cancer prevention. Patients may benefit from this research as it could lead to new strategies for reducing breast cancer risk through breastfeeding.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, particularly those concerned about breast cancer risk.

Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or breastfeeding, or those with pre-existing breast cancer, may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide new insights into how breastfeeding may lower the risk of breast cancer, potentially leading to improved prevention strategies.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific role of STC1 in breastfeeding and breast cancer prevention is novel, similar research has shown that hormonal changes during lactation can influence cancer risk.

Where this research is happening

New York, 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 mammary cancer preventionprevent breast cancerBreast Cancer Prevention
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.