Breastfeeding, breast cancer risk and public awareness
An online survey exploring what people know about breastfeeding, breast cancer risk and the role of breastmilk in cancer research.
What’s the title of the study?
Public Views of Breastfeeding as a Protective Factor Against Breast Cancer
What’s the project about?
Breast cancer risk is shaped by many things. Some we can’t control, like age, sex and ethnicity. Others are linked to things that happen throughout our lives.
Whether or not someone chooses to breastfeed is personal. There are many reasons someone may or may not breastfeed.
Research has found that breastfeeding can reduce breast cancer risk. But the researchers want to understand what people in the UK already know about this link, and how clearly it is being communicated.
They also want to hear what people think about using breastmilk in research to better understand breast biology and breast cancer biology.
The findings could help improve how information about breastfeeding and breast cancer risk is shared, so people can make informed decisions.
Who’s organising it?
Name of project lead: Sophia D'Alessandro
Job title: PhD Student
Organisation: Imperial College London
Email address: s.dalessandro24@imperial.ac.uk
Who can take part?
You can take part if you are aged 18 or over and live in the UK.
Why do you want me to be involved?
By sharing your views, you can help researchers understand what people already know about breastfeeding and breast cancer risk — and what information could be clearer.
By taking part, you can help shape better communication about breast cancer prevention, breastfeeding and the use of breastmilk in research.
What will you ask me to do?
You’ll be asked to complete an anonymous online survey. The survey will ask about:
- You
- Breastfeeding and maternal health
- What you think about using breastmilk in breast cancer research
It should take around 10 to 15 minutes.
How do I get involved?
To take part, complete the online survey.
The participant information sheet and consent form are included at the start of the survey.
If you have any other questions, you can contact Sophia at s.dalessandro24@imperial.ac.uk.
When’s the deadline?
10 September 2026
Get involved
Complete the survey and help researchers understand what people know about breastfeeding, breast cancer risk and the role of breastmilk in cancer research.