The overall aim of the PRECAMA study is to advance the prevention and management of breast cancer in countries in epidemiological transition in Latin America through a better understanding of the molecular, pathological, and risk factor patterns.
The specific objectives are:
- To develop a multicentre population-based case-control study of breast cancer in Latin America with structured collection of individual, clinical, and pathological information and biological specimens according to strictly controlled protocols.
- To characterize the subtypes of premenopausal breast cancer on the basis of their molecular and pathological phenotypes in these populations.
- To improve the identification of specific endogenous factors (genetics and genomics) and exogenous factors (biological modifications; behavioural, dietary, and cultural factors) and understand the interplay of these different factors with regard to breast tumour subtypes and other characteristics.
- To provide advanced training, strengthen the structure of the breast cancer research community in Latin America, and influence the public health agenda regarding breast cancer management.
Currently, a feasibility study is being carried out, in which all components of the standardized protocol are being tested (recruitment of cases and controls, collection of blood, urine, and tumour samples, administration of lifestyle and dietary questionnaires, immunohistochemistry, and mutation and biomarker analyses). In the next phase, the main study will be conducted, re-adjusting the study protocols and procedures and expanding accrual of cases and controls to fulfil the project's objectives.