Collection of buccal cell genomic DNA occurred during May 1999 and June 2006 using a mouthwash kit.

Eligible individuals had completed a baseline questionnaire after enrollment into the cohort, had a known current address, were alive at the date of the request for a buccal cell sample, and had been enrolled in CCSS at a site with institutional review board approval for collection and storage of buccal cell DNA.

Participants were mailed a specimen collection kit that included a cover letter describing the study, consent form, instruction sheet, 45 ml. bottle of mouthwash, specimen collection container, return mail labels, and postage. Subjects were instructed to rinse their mouths with the mouthwash and return the used mouthwash to the Molecular Genetic Laboratory in Cincinnati, Ohio, in the sterile container.

CCSS: Buccal Cell and Peripheral Blood Samples Summary
JUNE 2005

Buccals received Bloods received
Survivors total 5790 494
Original diagnosis Leukemia 1912 126
CNS 720 56
Hodgkin 825 131
Non-Hodgkin 420 29
Kidney 554 28
Neuroblastoma 413 25
Soft tissue sarcoma 489 47
Bone 457 52
Sex Males 2891 165
Females 2899 329
Second Malignancies Leukemia/lymphoma 19 13
CNS 13 8
Meningioma 74 38
Sarcomas 28 13
Breast 116 81
Thyroid 51 40
Other cancers 83 234
Siblings total 1173
Sex Male 531
Female 642