ASPO Distinguished Achievement Award Lecture. Studies on the epidemiology and natural history of benign breast disease and breast cancer using nipple aspirate fluid.

Nicholas L. Petrakis, M.D., was presented the American Society of Preventive Oncology's Distinguished Achievement Award at the Society's annual meeting on March 15, 1992, in Bethesda, Maryland. The basis for choosing Dr. Petrakis was his distinguished achievements for over 20 years in research and education concerning the etiology and prevention of cancer, with substantial emphasis on breast cancer. Dr. Petrakis obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree from Augustana College, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and his Doctor of Medicine degree from Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri. He has held numerous principal positions at the University of California, beginning with a position with the U.S. Public Health Service, National Cancer Institute Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, and then the Cancer Research Institute, both at the University of California, San Francisco. Dr. Petrakis has held continuing appointments in the Department of Preventive Medicine and Department of Epidemiology and International Health, beginning as an Assistant Professor. He was subsequently promoted to Associate Professor and Professor of Preventive Medicine. During the years from 1978 to 1989, Dr. Petrakis was chair of the Department of Epidemiology and International Health. Since 1981 he has been Professor of Epidemiology, University of California, Berkeley, School of Public Health. In 1989 he became Professor Emeritus of Preventive Medicine and Epidemiology.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)