Generations Study scientific aims
The scientific goal is to understand the continuum of breast cancer, from causes to outcomes. In addition, the study can help understand the causes and prognosis of other cancers and diseases in women.
Research by the study team and collaborations with thousands of UK and international researchers has resulted in more than 100 scientific publications. This work has contributed to a better understanding of genetic, reproductive, behavioural and environmental causes of breast cancer. In addition, it has shown how integration of these factors into multimodal risk models substantially improves our ability to identify of women at high risk for developing breast cancer.
Current research priorities include:
Better Breast Cancer Risk Tools: improve tools for predicting breast cancer risk by adding the latest discoveries like genetic scores, AI analyses of mammograms and social and environmental factors. This will help women receive more personalised and effective care.
Lifestyle changes and Breast Cancer Prevention: investigate how changes in lifestyle such as increasing physical activity can reduce the risk of breast cancer and improve survival after a breast cancer diagnosis. This will help women make informed choices to protect their health.
AI Analyses of Breast Tissue: use AI analyses of breast tissue samples to help us find out what types of benign breast disease are linked to a higher risk of developing breast cancer. This will help women with benign breast diseases to understand their risk and take preventive measures.
Securely Share Generations Study Data: make the Generations Study data securely available to the wider research community to enhance cancer research. This will accelerate discoveries and improve outcomes for women.