by Jackie Jones - Field To Plate

SISTERHOO D NETWORK f
Your blood, toenail clipping and house dust samples. No, really,
that's just a few of the things the Sister Study wants us to collect to help
National Institute of Environmental Health Science researchers figure out
why some women get breast cancer and others don't. Black women under
the age of 45 have the highest incidence rates of breast cancer in the United
States, and we are more likely to die of it than whites. The institute, part of
Give it up
for the
sistas
10 HEARTANDSOUL.COM · FEBRUARY/MARCH 2006
the National Institutes of Health, is trying to figure out how
environment Ð the things in our home, workplace and
communityÐ and genes affect a woman's chances of
getting breast cancer.
Researchers want to sign up 50,000 women, ages
35 to 74, who haven't had breast cancer, but have a
sister who has or had the disease for the landmark study.
They believe the information gathered may help them come up with rec-
ommendations for preventing future cases of breast cancer. The more than
20,000 women who have signed up for the Sister Study say on its Web site
that they are willing to give samples of everything from blood, toenail clip-
ping and urine to house dust, as well as do extensive questionnaires and
detailed phone interviews, because they want to help find a cure. Do it for
your sister, sista. ÐJanette Rodrigues
To register for the study, go to www.sisterstudy.org or call 1-877-SISTER, or
1-877-474-7837, toll-free. The deaf or hard-of-hearing can call 1-866-TTY-
4SIS, or 1-866-889-4747. Click www.heartandsoul.com for more on cancer.
LETTERS
Congratulations on the relaunch Heart of
& Soul! I know that it will again be a great
addition to our newsstands. The content is
great. Most of the articles are quick reads,
but very informative!
Kanya Bennett
Washington, D.C.
It was good to see Heart & Soul back on
the newsstand. "Middle Management" on
page 34 of the Body Shaping section was
interesting. Thanks for your time. I look
forward to future issues.
Peggy Terry
Austin, Texas
I picked up the magazine and saw that
some of the old team members were back
on board. That's a true blessing in today©s
day and time for the ªethnicº market. The
publication is absolutely needed. I knew it
would happen, because God is good.
Jeffrey Gamble
New York
I was attending my homecoming at Morgan
State University and received a copy of
the Reunion Issue. I've had an opportunity
to read through your magazine. I am very
pleased and would love to subscribe.
Laverne E. Chandler
Fork Union, Virginia
I was so pleased to see Heart & Soulon the
newsstand and then to turn inside and see
Yanick Rice Lamb once again at the helm.
It's great when something is really yours
that it remains yours. I love the issue, and
I'm looking forward to more and more.
God bless and continued success!
Sherrie Britt
Hyattsville, Maryland
Congratulations on the relaunch Heart of
& Soul. The first issue was fantastic, and I
read it cover to cover. I am glad to see the
magazine return and plan to subscribe.
Yolanda McCutchen
Washington, D.C.
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