Pilot Study of the Effect of Weight Loss on Breast Tissue and Blood Biomarkers in Women at Increased Risk for Breast Cancer

This is a pilot, non-randomized, single institution, observational study investigating the effect of dramatic weight loss secondary to bariatric surgery on biomarkers of breast cancer in tissue and blood as well as on imaging in women at elevated risk for breast cancer. Twelve months after bariatric surgery, 50% of excess weight is generally expected. Eligible women at elevated risk for breast cancer who are already planning to undergo bariatric surgery will be consented to undergo imaging (MRI and mammogram), breast tissue biopsy, and fasting blood draw prior to bariatric surgery, approximately 14 days after bariatric surgery, and approximately 1 year after bariatric surgery. In parallel we will also be assessing 40 normal breast tissue specimens as well as blood samples from the Komen Tissue Bank (elevated risk but normal BMI) to establish a normal BMI, elevated risk control group for our study. The KTB samples will be matched for general risk of breast cancer (\>20%), age, race and menopausal status.