News & Stories
The Generations Study research highlights gaps in breast cancer risk referral guidelines
New research using data from the Breast Cancer Now Generations Study found that current NICE criteria may miss up to 95 per cent of women under 50 who develop breast cancer within the following ten years. The study, co-led by researchers at The Institute of Cancer Research, London, and the University of Cambridge, calls for the referral guidelines used by GPs to be reviewed
Exploring Life After Breast Cancer: Can Physical Activity Improve Survival and Reduce Recurrence?
New research in the Generations Study is investigating whether physical activity affects the chances of breast cancer coming back or survival using data from 4,000 women and a new questionnaire to better understand life beyond diagnosis.
Meet Martina Brayley, a PhD student at the Generations Study
Martina Brayley is a PhD student at The Institute of Cancer Research, using data from the Generations Study to understand whether physical activity and obesity affect the chances of cancer coming back and survival.
Finding strength in movement: Participants share their motivation to stay active after a breast cancer diagnosis
In this edition, three Generations Study participants tell us about their motivation to increase physical activity after their breast cancer diagnosis. They share their concerns, perceived health benefits of being more active, and the types of support they believe could help others who are considering becoming more physically active.
A safer, more effective way to use Generations Study data for research
We are planning an important step to help make the most of the Generations Study, while continuing to protect your privacy. Over more than 20 years, the study has collected uniquely valuable information. To increase its impact, we are improving how researchers can access and use these data.
Meet Reuben Frost, a research associate at the Generations Study
Reuben Frost is a Research Associate at the Breast Cancer Now Generations Study, using genetic and health data to evaluate existing breast cancer risk prediction models and to help develop new models that can predict breast cancer more accurately.
Meet fellow participants who have undergone mastectomies
Here are three stories from individuals who underwent genetic testing and were offered mastectomy because, at their level of risk, the potential benefits were thought to outweigh the possible downsides. It’s important to note that there are many strategies available to reduce the risk of breast cancer. We are not advocating for any approach - as these stories show - each person’s journey and decision is unique.
A New Step in Understanding the Genetics of Breast Cancer and Women’s Health
The Breast Cancer Now Generations Study is now using large-scale DNA sequencing to better understand genetic risk factors for breast cancer and other women’s health conditions. This could lead to improved, more personalised screening and prevention for all women—not just those with a family history. The research meets our rigorous security and privacy standards and is conducted in partnership with Regeneron, a global biomedical research company.
Meet fellow participants who are members of the participant panel
We held our second online participant panel meeting in November. Here’s the screenshot from the meeting and two participants’ (Arlene and Katie) experience of being members of the panel.
Collecting information on who has been diagnosed with cancer
Since the study started in 2004, approximately 4,000 of the 113,000 study participants have reported to us that they have been diagnosed with breast cancer, and 5,000 have been diagnosed with other types of cancer. Until now, we have relied on your responses through questionnaires or notifications to learn about these cancer diagnoses. This year, we are introducing a new method to identify cancer diagnoses using the NHS cancer registration system.