BBC-NCRN Breast Cancer Genetics Study

Study title: Identification and Characterization of Breast Cancer Susceptibility Genes Using the British Breast Cancer Study (BBC-NCRN)

We are conducting a new research project that uses anonymised samples from the British Breast Cancer Study (BBC-NCRN) to better understand the genetic factors that influence breast cancer risk. This study will involve:

• Whole Exome Sequencing (WES): A technique that examines the parts of DNA that provide instructions for making proteins (called exons). These regions make up about 1–2% of the genome but contain most known disease-causing changes.
• Genome-Wide Genotyping: A method that looks at thousands of specific points across the genome to identify patterns of genetic variation and find links between genes and diseases.

The goal is to identify new breast cancer susceptibility genes and improve understanding of known ones, which could help develop better risk prediction, prevention strategies, and treatments.

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide and in the UK, around 55,000 women are diagnosed each year. Genetics plays a major role in breast cancer risk, but many genetic factors remain undiscovered. This study aims to fill these gaps by analysing samples collected during the original BBC-NCRN study which was a national research project, run in collaboration with Cancer Research UK, that recruited participants between February 2001 and December 2012. Participants provided samples to be used for research to investigate factors that might affect a woman’s risk of breast cancer.

• This research has been approved by the Royal Marsden/ICR Committee for Clinical Research (ref CCR-6286)South Central - Hampshire B Research Ethics Committee
• Samples and data have been anonymised.
• All information will be treated in the strictest confidence and will not be shared outside the study.

If you believe you were recruited to the BBC-NCRN study and do not wish your anonymised sample to be included in this new analysis, you have the right to opt out without giving any reason.

To opt out, please contact us at: [email protected] 

Your participation helps researchers uncover new genetic insights that could lead to better prevention and treatment for breast cancer. However, we respect your choice if you prefer not to be included in this analysis.