STAR stands for the study of tamoxifen and raloxifene. Researchers want to know whether raloxifine is as effective at reducing breast cancer as tamoxifen. Raloxifine is normally used to treat and prevent osteoporosis, and tamoxifen has been shown to reduce the chance of getting breast cancer – by about half. The differences between the two drugs may help researchers find ways to prevent breast cancer.

"When I started working here 25 years ago with cancer patients, I never in a million years dreamed I would be involved in such a study. It’s been such a tremendous thing for me to be able to work with these women who are truly pioneers," says Mary Spaight, R.N., STAR trial coordinator.

Judy Hupfeld’ of Iowa City is enrolled in the STAR trial. Her sister died from breast cancer, so Judy wanted to do something for herself – and many other women in similar situations.

"I hopefully can help with the prevention of breast cancer. This is in one small way that I can do this," she says.

More than 500 medical centers across the U.S. are enrolling women, but thousands more are still needed – including many in Iowa. For Judy, the choice was easy. She believes she’s helping find a way to prevent breast cancer – and keep herself healthy, too.

"I feel like I am so well taken care of, that I will never get breast cancer. And along with that, I hope that I’m doing something for women in society, that will get rid of this kind of cancer.,"she says.

Women who participate in the STAR trial must be post-menopausal, at least 35-years-old, and have an increased risk of breast cancer. For more information call 319-356-2778 or 800-237-1225.

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