NEWS

Additional Large Observational and Clinical Studies

Nurses’ Health Study: An observational study that began in 1976 with 120,000 registered female nurses ages 30–55. Questionnaires are sent every 2 years. Looking at the effect of contraceptives, diet, exercise, hormone replacement therapy, and work environment on major illnesses in women. The principal investigator is Frank E. Speizer, M.D. Other lead investigators from Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, include: Graham Colditz, M.D., JoAnn E. Manson, M.D., and Walter Willett, M.D.

Nurses’ Health Study II: An observational study that began in 1989 with 116,000 registered female nurses ages 25–40. Questionnaires are sent every 2 years. Looking at the long-term effects of oral contraceptives and the role of exercise and diet in cancer. Walter Willett, M.D., at Harvard School of Public Health is the principal investigator.

Health Professionals Follow-up Study at Harvard School of Public Health: An observational study that is the men’s equivalent of the NHS. It includes 51,529 men; began in 1986; participants receive a questionnaire every other year and a longer food frequency questionnaire every 4 years. The principal investigator is Walter Willett, M.D., at Harvard School of Public Health.

Women’s Health Study: A randomized clinical trial involving 40,000 postmenopausal female nurses with no history of coronary heart disease or cancer. (Similar to Physicians’ Health study, a clinical trial with 22,071 male physicians that began in 1982.) Began in 1992 from Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Looking at the effects of low-dose aspirin, beta-carotene, and vitamin E in the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease and cancer in healthy women. Principal investigator is Julie E. Buring, Sc.D., at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Results are due in August 2001.

Iowa Women’s Health Study: Observational study designed to look at effect of several risk factors on incidence of cancer in postmenopausal women ages 55–69 years. Began in 1986 when 41,837 women returned and completed questionnaire. Follow-up questionnaires in 1987, 1989, 1992, and 1997. Principal investigator is Aaron R. Folsom, Ph.D., School of Public Health at the University of Minnesota.

Women’s Health Initiative: Both an observational study and clinical trial that was initiated in 1992; planned completion date is 2007. Clinical trial includes 64,500 postmenopausal women with three controlled randomized interventions: low-fat diet, hormone replacement therapy, and calcium and vitamin D supplementation. About 100,000 postmenopausal women are in the observational study for about 9 years. Concerted efforts to enroll racial and ethnic minorities. Sponsored by National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute in Bethesda.



             
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