Preventing Breast Cancer

We believe that many cases of breast cancer could be prevented. Preventing the disease, however, means understanding its causes and risk factors. Breakthrough’s increasing knowledge and ongoing studies will, in the future, help us develop preventative treatments. They will also give women more information about how to take measures to reduce their risk of developing the disease.

The Breakthrough Generations Study, which we are conducting in partnership with The Institute of Cancer Research, is the largest and most comprehensive study ever into the causes of breast cancer. It will follow 100,000 women for 40 years to pinpoint the causes of the disease.

The Breakthrough Generations Study is being led by Breakthrough’s Professor Alan Ashworth and Professor Tony Swerdlow of The Institute of Cancer Research. You’ll find more information about this enormous project at www.breakthroughgenerations.org.uk.

We’d like to thank the Breakthrough Generations Appeal board for committing to this study and, of course, all of you whose donations have made it possible. Having launched the project in 2004, £12m was raised to fund its first decade by January 2008.

Thanks too, to Marks & Spencer, Breakthrough’s largest corporate supporter, who will be meeting the ongoing analysis costs of the study.

Professors Ashworth and Swerdlow are also leading the largest ever study into the causes of Male Breast Cancer. This was launched in 2007 and will identify the risk factors in a disease that affects some 300 men every year.

Breakthrough’s Dr Matthew Smalley is leading an investigation into stem cells in the breast. There is evidence that stem cells, or cells that imitate stem cells through acquired faults, may enable tumours to form and grow.

This is an important new field of research for Breakthrough – and we’re optimistic that it will lead to new approaches for treating and preventing breast cancer.