Jean Peelen didn’t have a history of breast cancer in her family until her two sisters Lois and Lynn were diagnosed with the disease. She was frustrated because she couldn’t do a lot to help them, but she enrolled in the Sister Study with thousands of other women across the nation who are helping researchers explore how the environment and genes affect the chances of getting breast cancer. The Sister Study is conducted by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), one of the National Institutes of Health of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “Although my sisters are breast cancer survivors, the battle against this disease is not over,” said the 64-year-old government retiree. “One of my daughters, Jennifer, was diagnosed with breast cancer in December, and I have six granddaughters.” She adds, “I am compelled to do this so that researchers can find the causes of breast cancer before my granddaughters are endangered.” Jean’s other daughter, Lisa, has also enrolled in the Sister Study. She’s eligible because of her sister Jennifer’s breast cancer diagnosis. Through a range of questionnaires and samples from the participants, the 10-year study will take a detailed look at how women’s genes, and things women come in contact with at home, at work, and in the community may influence breast cancer risk. Women in the U.S. or Puerto Rico, ages 35 to 74, may be eligible to join the Sister Study if their sisters had breast cancer. Women who join the Sister Study must never have had breast cancer themselves. The Sister Study is particularly committed to enrolling women in every state, and from all backgrounds, occupations, races and ethnicities, so that the study results represent and benefit all women. Enrollment will continue through September 2007, with a goal of 50,000 volunteers. The Sister Study follows sound, ethical research practices, and keeps all personal data safe, private and confidential. Women who join are not asked to take any medicine, visit a medical center, or make any changes to their habits, diet or daily life. Organizations that are in partnership with the Sister Study include the American Cancer Society, the National Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities of the National Institutes of Health, Sisters Network, Inc., the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and the Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization. To volunteer or learn more about the Sister Study, visit the web site www.sisterstudy.org, or for Spanish visit www.estudiodehermanas.org. A toll free number is also available 1-877-4SISTER (877-474-7837). Deaf/Hard of Hearing call 1-866-TTY-4SIS (866-889-4747).