Collecting data and samples from women undergoing routine mammograms for breast cancer research

MERIT (Mammography, Early Detection Biomarkers, Risk Assessment, and Imaging Technologies) Cohort

Observational M.D. Anderson Cancer Center · NCT03408353

This study is collecting health information and blood samples from 10,000 women getting routine mammograms to help researchers learn more about breast cancer and women's health over time.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment10000 (estimated)
Ages25 Years to 80 Years
SexFemale
SponsorM.D. Anderson Cancer Center Academic / other
Locations1 site (Houston, Texas)
Trial IDNCT03408353 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to establish a longitudinal cohort of 10,000 women who undergo routine annual mammography screening, with follow-up for at least five years or until a breast cancer diagnosis occurs. Participants will complete questionnaires about their personal and family cancer history, health status, and lifestyle factors, and will provide blood samples at baseline and annually. The study will create a repository of blood specimens and a comprehensive database of imaging and clinical data to facilitate future research on breast cancer and women's health.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are women who are undergoing routine screening mammograms and are willing to participate in the study by providing blood samples and completing questionnaires.

Not a fit: Patients with a personal history of breast cancer or other cancers treated within the last five years may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance early detection and treatment strategies for breast cancer and improve women's health outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success in using similar approaches for biomarker discovery and risk assessment in breast cancer.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Willingness to participate in the study and ability to provide informed consent
* Willingness to complete a questionnaire and to provide a blood sample at the initial visit and at follow up annual visits
* Undergoing a screening mammogram at participating sites. Subjects undergoing routine annual diagnostic mammograms or CEM as part of a screening study are also eligible.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Current or recent (within the prior 6 months) history of breast feeding
* Personal history of breast cancer (ductal breast carcinoma in situ \[DCIS\] or invasive breast cancer)
* Personal history of any other cancer (excluding in-situ, stage 0, and non-melanoma skin cancers and other pre-cancerous conditions) treated within the last 5 years.

Where this trial is running

Houston, Texas

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Breast Carcinoma
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.