Understanding breast cancer risk factors in Asian American and Native Hawaiian women
Official title: Project 3: Inter-Relationships and Prognostic Significance of Breast Cancer Radiomic Risk Features, Tissue Microenvironment, and Adiposity
Funded at University of Hawaii at Manoa · NIH-10931602 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how breast cancer risk varies among different racial and ethnic groups, especially Asian American and Native Hawaiian women, to understand how things like body fat and breast density might influence their risk, with the goal of improving prevention and early detection for these communities.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Hawaii at Manoa NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Honolulu, United States) |
| Project start | September 19, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $256,152 |
| NIH project number | 5P20CA275734-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10931602 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include Asian American and Native Hawaiian women, particularly those with varying body fat distributions and breast densities.
✕Less likely to help
Patients outside the Asian American and Native Hawaiian populations or those without breast cancer risk factors may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the differences in breast cancer risk among various racial and ethnic groups, particularly focusing on Asian American and Native Hawaiian women who have been underrepresented in previous studies. It aims to explore how factors like body fat distribution and breast density affect breast cancer risk and outcomes in these populations. By analyzing radiomic features from mammographic screenings, the study seeks to uncover unique associations that could lead to better prevention and early detection strategies tailored for these groups.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved breast cancer prevention and detection strategies specifically designed for Asian American and Native Hawaiian women.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in identifying breast cancer risk factors in diverse populations, but this specific focus on AANHPI women is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Hawaii at Manoa
Honolulu, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shepherd, John Alan — University of Hawaii at Manoa
- Study coordinator: Shepherd, John Alan
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.