WASHINGTON -- The National Institutes of Health is looking for women who want to help find a cure for breast cancer.

Researchers have launched a groundbreaking study to learn more about what causes breast cancer. It's called The Sister Study and researchers are looking for thousands of volunteers.

"My only sibling passed away two years ago from breast cancer and I know she would want me to do anything that I could do to help research, find a cause for breast cancer," said Patricia Bango, who lives in northern Virginia.

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NIH Cancer Study Is Sister Act

When Bango heard about The Sister Study, she was eager to sign up.

"I really feel that it gives an opportunity to be a part of what could potentially be a life-saving research," Bango said.

The Sister Study will track women for 10 years to find out what role genetics and the environment may play in breast cancer.

"What's unique about our study is that we are also placing a great deal of emphasis on environmental exposures, things that are in your homes, and in the air, where you live," said Dale Sandler, the principle investigator of The Sister Study.

Researchers are looking for 50,000 women to sign up for the nationwide study. They're looking for women who have never had breast cancer before, but whose sisters have been diagnosed with breast cancer. They're looking for women between the ages of 35 and 74.

Volunteers will be asked questions about their life history, their health and their jobs. They will also be asked to provide blood, toenail and urine samples.

Patricia Bango feels all of that is a small price for what she hopes will be a big payoff.

"I hope they will find a cause for breast cancer, and I could also hope they will find a cure for breast cancer," Bango said.

About 300 women are signing up for the study each day and researchers strongly encourage minorities and senior citizens to enroll.

Anyone interested in The Sister Study can check out the group's Web site at SisterStudy.org.