Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 10, 2026
Optimization of Breast Biopsy and Mastectomy Sample Collection Procedures for Biobanking, Personalized Medicine, and Research Applications
Published on: September 2, 2025
Fecal sample biobanking for breast cancer research focused on the gut microbiome
Lusine Yaghjyan1, Neha Goel2,3, John Heine4
1University of Florida, College of Public Health and Health Professions and College of Medicine, Department of Epidemiology, Gainesville, FL, USA.
Background:
Gut microbiome is an emerging potentially modifiable contributor to breast health, including breast cancer (BCa). To advance prevention research in this area, we established a prospective biobanking cohort of cancer-free women.
Methods:
Eligible women were ≥40 years old, had no cancer history and no recent antibiotic use. Women were enrolled during screening mammography visits at three imaging centers in Florida (February 2021-June 2024), completed a BCa risk factor survey, and underwent body measurements. We collected digital mammograms and stool/urine/saliva samples. Optionally, women completed NIH's Diet History Questionnaire and a neighborhood stress questionnaire. Mammographic breast density (MBD) was assessed using established computerized approaches.
Results:
We recruited 733 cancer-free women (49% Caucasian, 21% African American, 26% Hispanic, and 4% from mixed/other races). The average age was 60 years (range 40-92); the majority (68.3%) were postmenopausal. BCa risk factor, neighborhood stress and diet questionnaires were completed by 97%, 65% and 58% of participants, respectively. Urine, saliva, and mammograms were available for all women; 83% also returned stool samples.
Conclusions:
We have established a representative cohort of screen-aged women with comprehensive BCa risk factor data, biospecimen collection, and MBD.
Impact:
This unique resource provides opportunity for future gut microbiome-focused BCa prevention research.
