Investigators in DCEG conducted a population-based case-control study of breast cancer to address a number of etiologic hypotheses best addressed among younger women, including effects on risk of oral contraceptive usage, dietary and physical activity patterns early in life, and prenatal factors. The study was conducted in three different geographic areas: Atlanta, New Jersey, and Seattle. Controls were identified through random digit dialing, although one site also employed a series of women identified through a complex area survey sampling technique. The majority of the subjects were younger than 45 years of age, although the age range was extended at one site to 55 years to allow a broader perspective on several issues. Detailed interviews and anthropometric measurements were undertaken. Pre-operative blood samples were obtained at one site from early stage cases and controls.
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