The Lucas Study will more than double the number of African-American breast cancer patients in the original study by enrolling an additional 1000 Black and 1000 Non-Black women by 2012, bringing the total number of CBCS participants to 1788 Black and 2020 Non-Black women. Of the 2,000 women enrolled in Phase III, there will be 500 women in each of four race and age groups: Black age 20-49, Black age 50-74, Non-Black age 20-49, and Non-Black age 50-74.
Participants are selected from a list of newly diagnosed breast cancer patients provided by the North Carolina Central Cancer Registry (NCCCR), which identifies and registers all new cancer diagnoses in the state. All participants are selected through a scientific randomization process and thus no volunteers are accepted.
The study's primary aim is to understand why some women get certain types of breast cancer and others do not, and how racial differences in genetics, treatment, and other risk factors can
influence breast cancer incidence and survival. Participants are interviewed in their homes by trained nurses regarding breast cancer risk factors and a DNA sample is taken. Participants are also asked to grant permission for researchers to access their relevant medical records. The study does not involve treatment of any kind.
Additionally, the study hopes to learn more about disparities in treatment and access to care, and general quality of life. Information for these assessments will be collected by phone, with follow-up interviews conducted every 6 months for 2 years after the initial in-home interview.
