The Breast Cancer Now Generations Study was set up in 2004 to help understand the causes of breast cancer. This landmark study is following over 110,000 women for 40 years to understand why breast cancer develops – giving hope to the generations of tomorrow.
About the Generations Study
There is never one single cause of breast cancer. A combination of our genes, lifestyle choices and events throughout life all contribute to our chances of developing the disease. The Generations Study is investigating the complex factors that affect how likely someone is to get the disease.
Knowing all these factors will help us identify women who have a high chance of developing breast cancer. And it could help us give women more accurate advice about how they can reduce their risk.
Key facts
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110,000 participants
The Generations Study is one of the world’s largest studies into the causes of breast cancer, with over 110,000 people taking part.
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40 years
Over a timespan of 40 years, the study allows researchers to uncover as many factors linked to breast cancer as possible.
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15 researchers
The study is currently led by Professor Montserrat Garcia-Closas and Professor Amy Berrington. There are 15 researchers working on it.
Currently, I’m analysing data from wristband activity trackers. Over 12,000 women have worn them for 8 days to continuously measure their physical activity 24 hours a day. I’m particularly interested in answering questions on how the amount of physical activity changes with age, who exercises more and who doesn’t, and what the main barriers are.
Dr Michael Jones
Senior Staff Researcher at The Institute of Cancer Research, London
Generations Study achievements
The 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
Sex hormones
High levels of a particular sex 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
FAQs
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How does the study work?
The study involves 110,000 women of different ages and backgrounds in the UK. Some of them will develop breast cancer, but others won’t. And researchers will try to understand the differences between them.
All women taking part in the study completed a detailed questionnaire about their lifestyle, including diet, alcohol intake and even the kind of jobs they do. They also provided blood samples to give researchers information about their genetics and to track their hormone levels.
Women will be asked to send in follow up questionnaires and blood samples every few years for 40 years in total. This will allow researchers to gather enough data to uncover as many factors linked to breast cancer as possible.
Much of the analysis of the study is carried out by Professor Montserrat Garcia-Closas and Professor Amy Berrington at the Institute of Cancer Research.
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Can I take part?
Unfortunately, the scientists have stopped recruiting for this study. If you’re interested in shaping breast cancer research, you can look at becoming a breast cancer now voice.