Menstrual Cycle Maintenance and Quality of Life After Breast Cancer (study)

If you were recently diagnosed with breast cancer you may be able to help future breast cancer patients. You can help shape the future of breast cancer treatment for women by participating in this important study being conducted by physicians around the country, including physicians at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. A total of 800 women are needed to participate in this three year study.

The purpose of the study: It is known that some breast cancer treatments can affect a woman’s menstrual cycle and possibly cause premature menopause. The occurrence of these symptoms and their duration depends on many things including the type of drugs taken, the dosage, and the woman’s age. This study was designed to determine how various breast cancer treatments affect a pre-menopausal woman’s menstrual cycle and assess the subsequent changes to her quality of life. Women’s response will provide valuable information for future breast cancer patients who seek to better understand treatment options and how they may affect women's lives.

Participation eligibility: To participate in this study, you must:
Be 45 years of age or younger
Have been diagnosed with stage I, II or III breast cancer in the past 8 months.
Have had regular menstrual cycles at the time of diagnosis

Participation is easy: Women can participate in this study through postal mail. No in-person visits are necessary. An initial questionnaire will be sent to all study participants followed by additional questionnaires every six months. Every woman in the study will be provided with menstrual cycle calendars for the duration of the study.

Help support learning for future breast cancer patients…
For additional information about this study please contact Joanna Winawer at Memorial Sloan-Kettering toll free at (877) 636-7562 or winawerj@mskcc.org, you can also visit this

website: http://www.mskcc.org/document/wicbrstu.htm
Breast Cancer Menstruation Study.

Jeanne Petrek, MD