Breast cancer study

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers amongst Parsi women. This was first revealed during studies by the late Dr Jussawala in the mid ’70s. Since then several researchers have tried to study the reasons for Parsi women being more susceptible to breast cancer.

In continuation of such efforts doctors at the Tata Memorial Centre (Tata Memorial Hospital and the Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer, ACTREC) are conducting a study aimed at the analysis of genes related to the functioning of white blood cells. This study is funded by the Lady Tata Memorial Trust and is supported by the UNESCO assisted PARZOR project. Authorities at the B. D. Petit Parsee General Hospital and a number of renowned surgeons have agreed to help in this study.

This ongoing pro­ject (since April 2002), has already recruited 30 patients, so far. More patients, however, need to be studied. While efforts are on to communicate with patients through the doctors who treat them, I, the principal investigator of the project, would like to appeal for breast cancer patients from the Zoroastrian community to participate in this study. We assure complete confidentiality. The meetings with participants will be arranged at a time and place of their choice to ensure minimum inconvenience. A brief health history is taken and 10-20 cc blood is collected (once only) by an expert technician with a disposable syringe and needle for the purpose of genetic analysis. Patients from cities other than Bombay are also encouraged to participate.

Healthy women in the age group of 50 to 70 years can also participate in this study.

The project team which includes Dr R. A. Badwe, chief of surgery and Dr Rajeev Sarin, a radiotherapist, both at the Tata Memorial Hospital, will be happy to answer any questions, provide relevant information and guide the participants in seeking help from experts at the Tata Memorial Hospital.

I can be contacted at home on 022-25400398; mobile 9819072938 or at office at 022-27412919 ext 5238 or by e-mail at narennjoshi@yahoo.com

Dr NARENDRA N. JOSHI