Investigating the link between certain chemicals and breast cancer risk
Official title: Perfluoroalkyl substances and breast cancer tissue biomarkers
Funded at University of Massachusetts Amherst · NIH-10738987 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain chemicals called PFAS, found in everyday products, might affect breast cancer development by examining breast tissue samples, and it's for anyone interested in understanding the potential risks these substances may pose.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Massachusetts Amherst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hadley, United States) |
| Project start | July 7, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $405,349 |
| NIH project number | 1R21ES034801-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10738987 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of PFAS exposure or those concerned about breast cancer risk.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of PFAS exposure or those without breast cancer risk factors may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are chemicals found in many consumer products, may influence breast cancer development. The study will analyze human breast tissue to explore the relationship between PFAS exposure and specific tissue characteristics associated with breast cancer risk. By examining serum concentrations of PFAS and their effects on breast tissue morphology, the research aims to provide insights into the potential carcinogenic effects of these substances. Participants' breast tissue samples will be sourced from a biorepository to facilitate this investigation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding of environmental factors contributing to breast cancer, potentially guiding prevention strategies.
How similar studies have gone: While there is preliminary evidence linking PFAS exposure to breast cancer, this specific investigation into human breast tissue is novel and has not been extensively studied.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Hadley, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Reeves, Katherine Whitney — University of Massachusetts Amherst
- Study coordinator: Reeves, Katherine Whitney
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Improving Breast Cancer Guideline Adherence in Nigeria
Aimed at helping doctors in Nigeria follow international guideline-based breast cancer care to improve outcomes for women with breast cancer.
-
Genomic study to understand how genetics and epigenetics shape triple-negative breast cancer in African ancestry
This study looks at how inherited genes and gene activity affect triple-negative breast cancer in people of African ancestry to better understand why outcomes can be worse.
-
Translational breast cancer research to improve treatment options
A comprehensive program at Baylor College of Medicine is focusing on breast cancer; researchers will advance targeted therapies and biomarkers to help patients with aggressive or hard-to-treat forms.
-
Cancer Pain Management for Asian American Breast Cancer Survivors with Depressive Symptoms
A technology-based program helps Asian American breast cancer survivors with depressive symptoms manage chronic pain more effectively from home using a web app and mobile tools.
-
Co-Targeting IL-6 and CDK4/6 to Prevent TNBC in Women Veterans
A study aims to block two cancer-promoting pathways (IL-6 and CDK4/6) to prevent or reduce progression of triple-negative breast cancer in women veterans.
-
Gut bacteria and metabolites linked to breast density and cancer risk
A small, patient-friendly study will explore whether gut bacteria and their byproducts are connected to high breast density, which can raise cancer risk and make screening less accurate.
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.