Tech HSC Collecting Data for National Cancer Study
By: Brittany Escobar
Updated: February 7, 2013
Texas Tech playing a big role in the collecting data for a new study being conducted by the National Institution of Health.
The research is focused on the population of Hispanic women who have a history of breast cancer.
Medical director and assistant professor for the Texas Tech Health Sciences Center, Dr. Candy Arentz said in two years, researchers in Washington have been able to collect 20 samples of saliva from Hispanic women with breast cancer.
Here a lone in Lubbock, she said they've been able to collect just as many samples, if not more, in a matter of two weeks.
Dr. Arentz said Hispanic and Latina women aren't highly represented in national studies, but she says because of our population of Hispanics in West Texas they will be able to contribute a large number of samples.
"We have such a high percentage of Latina and Hispanic women," said Dr. Arentz, "We've really done a great job here in West Texas outreaching and getting these people and patients treated for breast cancer, and so it's really the prime opportunity for them to do it."
If you'd like to participate in the study just give them a call at 775-8560.
Dr. Arentz said to qualify you must be Hispanic or Latina and have a history of breast cancer.
She said the sample taking processes takes 10 to 15 minutes and said it's crucial in finding the cure to breast cancer.
Dr. Arentz said it's important for women to start getting annual mammograms once they turn 40 and every year after.
