NCI Funds DDT-Breast Disease Study

BETHESDA, Md—The possible link between the pesticide DDT and breast cancer or benign breast disease will be explored among women in the northern Alabama community of Triana. The study by researchers from the National Cancer Institute and the University of Alabama in Huntsville College of Nursing will begin Feb. 15, with results available in 1999.

In the early 1970s, body burdens of DDT were found to average 10 times greater in Triana residents, the result of consuming fish contaminated with DDT dumped into the Tennessee River from a pesticide-processing plant.

Researchers will evaluate blood concentrations of DDT and its metabolite DDE in women diagnosed with breast cancer, benign breast disease, or dense breast tissues, and compare their pesticide levels with those of women in the study who are free of these conditions.