Mothers’ views on weight management programmes for breast cancer prevention

What’s the title of the study? 

Mothers’ and health care professionals’ views on family support during weight loss for breast cancer prevention.

What’s the project about? 

This study aims to explore the views of mothers on the role of family support during weight management programmes that aim to reduce their risk of breast cancer.

This study is part of a PhD project that aims to develop a family-based weight loss programme for mothers identified at risk of breast cancer.

The researchers hope to make the programme as accessible and helpful as possible.

For this part of the study, participants will be mothers who been identified as having an increased risk of breast cancer. For another separate part of the project, researchers will interview healthcare professionals.

By interviewing these groups, the team hope to learn more and explore a wide range of views and experiences around this topic.

Who’s organising it? 

Name of project lead: Mai Haiba 

Job title: PhD student 

Organisation: University of Manchester 

Email address: mai.haiba@postgrad.manchester.ac.uk 

Phone number: 07350 715982 

Who can take part? 

You can take part if you:  

• Are a mother or guardian who has children under the age of 18 living within the same household 
• Have been informed you are at increased risk of breast cancer by health care services and have been seen at an NHS breast cancer risk assessment clinic  
• Are someone who has lived experience of trying to control your weight when living with obesity or overweight
• Do not have a current or previous diagnosis of breast cancer

Why do you want me to be involved? 

By taking part in this study, you will help with the development of a family-based weight loss intervention programme for mothers with an increased risk of cancer.

Researchers want this programme to help reduce the risk of breast cancer in mothers who already manage multiple responsibilities and family dynamics. By being involved in the project, you'll help to make sure that the programme is implemented properly.

What will you ask me to do?

If you agree to join the study, we'll ask you to take part in a one off 1-to-1 online interview lasting up to 1 hour. The interview will take place virtually over Microsoft Teams. The researchers can provide translators for the interview if required.

The study will also involve completing a questionnaire (which includes questions around age, gender and ethnicity). 

If you choose to take part, you will be reimbursed £25 for taking part in the interview, plus a possible additional £20 if childcare is required, and £5 for data allowance.

Please note that we will not ask you to take part in a dietary intervention, and the researchers are unable to offer individual support for people who want to change their diet. 

How do I get involved? 

If you’re interested in taking part, or if you want more information, please contact the lead researcher, Mai Haiba, via email at mai.haiba@postgrad.manchester.ac.uk or phone on 07350 715 982. 

When’s the deadline? 

31 May 2025