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The Generations Study

The Generations Study is a longitudinal cohort study established in 2004 involving 110,000 adult women living across the UK. The cohort collects extensive high-quality data to study the continuum of breast cancer, from causes to outcomes. Through this research we are learning how to prevent breast cancer, detect it early and improve quality of life and survival after diagnosis.

Over 110,000 women were recruited from across the UK from 2004 to 2011. The study collects extensive, high-quality data through participant recruitment and follow up questionnaires; blood samples; NHS electronic medical records, biopsy material and medical imaging; and analyses of blood, tissue and urine specimens. For more details or for Data Access Requests, please visit the Generations Study Website.

Professors Amy Berrington and Montserrat Garcia-Closas are the Principal Investigators of the Generations Study. Other senior researchers include Professor Olivia Fletcher and Dr. Michael Jones.

The study is supported by a partnership between The Institute of Cancer Research and Breast Cancer Now.

Scientific aims

The scientific goal is to understand the continuum of breast cancer, from its causes to outcomes. In addition, the study can help understand the causes and prognosis of other cancers and diseases in women.

Scientific aims

Meet the team

The Generations Study Team is led by Professors Amy Berrington and Montserrat Garcia-Closas and includes epidemiologists, biostatisticians, data scientists, laboratory scientists, data engineers, data managers, and scientific administrators.

Meet the team

Data and biospecimens

Participants in the Generations Study provide data through questionnaires and most provided a baseline blood sample to study genetics and other biomarkers. As subset of participants provided physical activity monitors and urine samples. Medical data, specimens and imaging is obtained through requests and data linkages to NHS medical records.

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Participant engagement

Participant engagement and involvement are crucial elements in the success of the study. A Participant Panel with study representatives provides feedback and contributes to the development of new research initiatives.

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