Study of Molecular Subtypes in Premenopausal Breast Cancer Among Latin American Women A Multicenter Population-Based Case-Control Study

What this Trial Is About

Breast cancer is a major health concern in Latin America, where it is the most common cancer among women. Women in this region tend to develop breast cancer at a younger age and are often diagnosed at a later stage compared to women in Western countries. Mortality rates have risen rapidly over the past twenty years, making breast cancer the leading cause of cancer death among Latin American women. There is limited knowledge about specific risk factors and tumor characteristics for premenopausal breast cancer in this population, which impacts treatment and survival outcomes. The PRECAMA study is an international, population-based case-control study conducted by the International Agency for Research on Cancer across Mexico, Costa Rica, Colombia, and Chile. It focuses on women aged 20 to 45 years, including both those diagnosed with primary invasive breast cancer and matched controls without cancer living in the same cities. Participants provide detailed questionnaire data on health, reproductive history, lifestyle factors, and diet. Biological samples such as blood and urine are collected, and tumor samples from cases undergo molecular and pathological analyses to characterize breast cancer subtypes. Participants complete standardized interviews and questionnaires, and physical measurements like body weight and height are taken. Researchers collect detailed lifestyle and environmental exposure data alongside biological specimens for biomarker studies. The main outcome is the presence of breast cancer at recruitment. This comprehensive approach aims to improve understanding of risk factors and breast cancer subtypes in young Latin American women to support prevention and public health strategies. The study is ongoing, with participant involvement lasting from recruitment through data collection and analysis phases.

PRECAMA: Molecular Subtypes of Premenopausal Breast Cancer in Latin American Women