Social Stress, Adiposity, and Breast Cancer

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Project Summary Breast cancer persists as being the leading form of cancer among women in the United States (U.S.) with 1 in 8 women receiving the diagnosis in their lifetime. Body composition, notably visceral adipose tissue (VAT), is both a salient risk factor and prognostic indicator for breast cancer in post-menopausal women. Less is known about the role of subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) in breast cancer in this population. Accumulation of VAT coupled with menopause drives a pathophysiology of inflammatory, metabolic, and immunological dysfunction, measured by blood biomarkers, which are associated with cancer genesis. The role of social stress in the development of VAT is well established in the cardiometabolic literature. Yet, there is a paucity of literature on the intersection of social stress, body composition, and breast cancer. The specific aims of this Diversity Supplement are designed to address this critical gap in the breast cancer and body composition literature. These aims will: 1. Examine the relationship of social stress, adiposity types (VAT vs. SAT), and breast cancer incidence and mortality; 2. Examine the relationship of blood biomarkers and social stress to explore cancer promoting mechanisms of stress in post-menopausal women; 3. Provide training and professional development opportunities to Dr. Valencia, an underrepresented minority early-stage investigator. Through participation in the proposed research and training activities, Dr. Valencia will gain fundamental expertise in body composition, cancer promoting pathophysiological pathways, and social stress to help her achieve her ultimate career goals to continue to perform impactful cancer research.