Sponsored by the Avon Foundation

We are looking for nursing mothers to participate in an approved University of Massachusetts environmental health study funded by the Avon Foundation and led by University of Massachusetts Amherst professor Dr. Kathleen Arcaro. The study will investigate why early pregnancy and lactation reduce a woman's lifetime risk of developing breast cancer. Although we will not actually be studying breast cancer, some of the results of our study may be relevant to breast cancer risk.

Early pregnancy and lactation decrease a woman's lifetime risk of developing breast cancer. Little is known about the molecular mechanisms responsible for the protective effect of early pregnancy and lactation. Knowledge of the changes in the breast underlying this protection will help in developing preventative and therapeutic strategies for all women.

If you wish to participate in this study, you will be asked to donate a single breastmilk sample (approximately 3.5 ounces) and will receive $20 in appreciation.  We will gladly pick up the milk from your home. Your privacy is protected--the milk samples are coded when brought into the lab and we do not reveal identities or report back to individuals.

For more information, please contact Kathleen Arcaro:
Phone: (413) 545-1037
e-mail: breastmilkstudyinfo@yahoo.com

Downloadable Forms

Questionnaire

Informed Consent Form

Minor Assent Form