My Breakthrough
Familial Association in Breast Cancer Study
What is the Familial Association in Breast Cancer Study?
A team based at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and the Institute of Cancer Research is coordinating a study, funded by Cancer Research UK, to identify new genes that influence a woman's risk of developing breast cancer. Researchers led by Dr Isabel dos Santos Silva and Professor Julian Peto are interested in recruiting women who have a family history of breast cancer.
What is the aim of the study?
There is strong evidence that some breast cancers can be inherited. Two major genes (BRCA1 and BRCA2) have already been identified but are responsible for less than a quarter of these inherited breast cancers. The remainder seem likely to be due to a large number of weak genes. We would like to know more about what these genes are and how they work.Who do we need to participate?
We are looking for families with at least two breast cancers diagnosed under 60 or one breast and one ovarian cancer diagnosed under 60 or one breast cancer diagnosed under 40 or one bilateral (both breasts) breast cancer diagnosed at any age. To be eligible, there must be one woman with breast cancer in the family who is willing to give a blood sample.How will the study work?
If you decide to take part in this study, we will send you a consent form and short questionnaire to complete. We will also ask you to have a small blood sample taken. Lastly, we would like you to forward a letter from us to any relatives who have been diagnosed with breast cancer, inviting them to participate. Our aim is to collect information about one unaffected and as many affected members as possible in each family. All information that is collected about you and your relatives during the course of this research will be kept strictly confidential.If I am interested in taking part who should I contact?
If you have a suitable family history and would like to know more about the study, please contact:Agnes Fraser or Lorna Gibson on Freephone: 0800-587-0501.
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