Studies of Autoimmune Disease and Cancer

The purpose of this study is to see how pregnancy affects protection from or risk of developing autoimmune diseases. We are studying families that have two or more living generations, with a special interest in three-generation families. For example, we are seeking women with their mother and child (or children). For this study, the woman in the middle generation is called the "primary participant". In two-generation families, the primary participant may be a man, woman or child (adult or minor) with a living mother. The primary participant will be asked to have at least one blood draw, but possibly more. The blood draw may take place either at the Prevention Center at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (FHCRC), or at a clinic that better suits the participant. Primary participants will also be asked to complete a questionnaire. Family members of the primary participant who would like to participate in this study may be asked for a saliva sample that can be sent by mail, or for a blood sample. Family members do not need to appear in person at a clinic to participate in this study if they are not giving a blood sample. We are currently enrolling participants with scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis and type 1 diabetes. We are also enrolling healthy (normal) volunteers.