In a groundbreaking study, Dr. Grann explored the outcomes of four approaches available to women who test positive for BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes. A prophylactic mastectomy added 3.4 years, while a prophylactic oophorectomy contributed only .9 years to an average woman's life. Unfortunately, for many women there is a negative impact on quality of life of having these surgeries at such an early age. All three surgeries were cost-effective when compared to other treatments. Instead, insurance companies should pay for these procedures if women choose them.
CSPH researchers are hopeful about untangling the web of factors that cause breast cancer.
Prior to the 1990's, no one was willing to look at environmental risk factors. The research on physical activity is very promising and so is working with molecular markers. Things are very hopeful. Molecular Epidemiology Molecular biology is a relatively new field that has grown exponentially since the early 1980s when Environmental Health Sciences' Frederica Perera, Dr. P.H., led the first molecular epidemiologic study of cancer. People react differently when exposed to carcinogens.