This is a continuation of GYN96-052, The Women's Healthy Eating and Living (WHEL) Study, which determined in a randomized-controlled trial whether a low-fat high-fiber diet that is high in nutrient- and phytochemical-rich vegetables and fruits is associated with a longer breast cancer event-free interval and increased longevity in women previously treated for early stage breast cancer (Pierce et al. 2007). The dietary intervention produced substantial differences in consumption of vegetables, fruits, fiber, and fat between the intervention group and the comparison group (who were given USDA and NCI dietary guidelines). While there was no overall effect, there was a significant effect in a large subgroup defined by vasomotor symptoms.
Primary Aim
To re-enroll the WHEL breast cancer cohort and to continue to undertake health and vitality assessments of all participants events to allow further investigation of sub-groups (using biological samples) to identify predictors of longevity in this study population.
Secondary Aims
• To test the effect of the published study finding on the diets of the participants in the WHEL Study.
• To conduct secondary analyses on the effect of surgery (e.g., oophorectomy) and lifestyle factors on cancer events that will be collected through 2012. Investigate predictors of late cancer events (i.e. events occurring > 7 years post-diagnosis).
The WHEL Study has collected and will continue to collect through 2012 detailed data, which includes measures of dietary pattern, physical activity, central obesity, body mass index, depression and quality of life, other cancer screening practices, medication use, use of nutrient supplements, use of screening services for other cancers, etc. The WHEL Study team has a good track record of exploring and disseminating important findings. The investigator team will continue to analyze the wealth of data collected on the WHEL Study, publishing the results in high quality journals. |