Landmark project investigating the causes of breast cancer

Back in 2004, over 110,000 women made an incredible decision to give hope to the generations of tomorrow.By volunteering to take part in the Breast Cancer Now Generations Study, they joined a landmark project spanning 40 years to help researchers understand why breast cancer develops.What is the Generations study?There isn’t a single cause of breast cancer. The disease develops as a result of a combination of our inherited genes, lifestyle choices and environmental factors. Our Generations Study is following more than 110,000 women over 40 years to investigate how these complex factors influence how likely you are to develop breast cancer. And what we can do to prevent it.All women taking part submitted blood samples and completed detailed questionnaires about their diet, alcohol intake, physical activity, and even the kinds of jobs they do. This, combined with follow-up questionnaires and blood samples, has allowed our researchers to gather enough data to uncover as many factors linked to breast cancer as possible. What has the study achieved so far?Despite having only just reached the halfway point of this study, we’re already starting to see some amazing breakthroughs.Over the last 20 years, our scientists have published more than 90 research papers using data from this study. They've uncovered more than 300 common genetic changes linked to breast cancer and found that exercise can lower your risk. And these are only a couple of the many great discoveries to come out of the study so far.Why Amanda joined the studyAmanda joined the Generations Study back in 2004 after her daughter, Becs, died from breast cancer at the age of 32. “Our lives shattered when my beloved daughter Becs rang me to say she had found a lump in her breast and was going to see a doctor. She was immediately admitted to hospital and began treatment in France, where Becs lived, but the cancer continued to spread and after just a matter of months there was nothing more that could be done."“After her death, and facing a life without her, I knew I wanted to do whatever I could to make things different for future generations, both in terms of research and its outcomes."“When I learnt about the Generations Study, I signed up at once, along with my daughter Camilla, and my daughter-in-law Joanna.""It's wonderful to contribute towards the advancements and progress made in breast cancer research, both in memory of our lovely Becs and in celebration of all those who will be saved from the disease thanks to the findings of the Generations Study.”Over a timespan of 40 years, the study follows researchers to uncover as many factors linked to breast cancer as possible. The study is currently led by professor Montserrat Garcia-Closas and professor Amy Berrington. There are 15 researchers working on it. Generations Study achievementsThe study is only halfway through its 40-year lifetime, but has already identified the relationship between breast cancer and:*Genetics - identifying 300 common genetic changes that may raise a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer. Fertility - High levels of a particular fertility hormone are linked to breast cancer.Pregnancy - Pregnancy and childbirth reduce breast cancer risk in the long term, but risk increases just after.Puberty - Women who go through puberty at a younger age are more at risk of developing breast cancer.Exercise - Women who do lots of physical activity are less likely to develop breast cancer than those who don’t.Menopause - While taking it, combined hormone replacement therapy increases the risk of developing breast cancer.Smoking - Cigarettes increase a woman’s chance of developing breast cancer.Stress - Stress associated with major life events isn’t linked to breast cancer risk. - Source: breastcancernow.orgDid you know?3-DA 3-D mammography(breast tomosynthesis) takes images from different angles around the breast and builds them into a 3-D-like image.STATSRisksSex at birth and getting older - the most significant risk factors for breast cancer are being a woman and getting older.Family history - a woman’s risk of breast cancer nearly doubles if she has a first-degree relative (e.g. their mother, sister, or daughter) who has been diagnosed with breast cancer. Genetics - about 5% to 10% of breast cancers can be linked to known gene mutations inherited from one’s mother or father.Breast cancer in men - though rare — the average lifetime risk of a man getting breast cancer is less than 1% — breast cancer can occur in men.

Landmark project investigating the causes of breast cancer

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Namibian Sun 2025-08-04

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Landmark project investigating the causes of breast cancer

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Namibian Sun 2025-08-04

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