The Bcan-Ray study – the world’s first clinical trial assessing breast cancer risk in women aged 30 to 39 – represents a major step forward in the move toward personalised screening.
At Prevent Breast Cancer, we believe the future of breast screening should be personalised and start in younger women. Our research aims to enhance the UK screening programme by developing advanced risk prediction models to more accurately identify high-risk individuals and tailor screening accordingly.
Now, groundbreaking research led by our expert Dr Sacha Howell and funded by the Sarah Harding Breast Cancer Appeal brings this vision one step closer to reality.
The Breast CANcer Risk Assessment in Younger women (BCAN-RAY) study, reported in The Guardian last week, reveals that one in five women in this age group may be at increased risk, many of those without any family history of the disease.
Currently, NHS breast screening begins at age 50. But this misses thousands of younger women – every year in the UK, around 10,000 women under 50 are diagnosed with breast cancer, including 2,400 in their thirties. In fact, breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in women aged 25 to 49.
The Bcan-Ray study is a major step forward. By combining genetic testing, mammogram data and lifestyle factors, researchers can produce a personalised risk score. This allows women at increased risk to receive tailored advice on prevention strategies and early screening.
Rebecca Hartley, a Prevent Breast Cancer Ambassador and leading voice in our campaign to fund The National Breast Imaging Academy, was diagnosed with breast cancer aged only 37. She responded to the research saying:
Being diagnosed as a young woman was terrifying and brought with it unique fears and considerations – my son was only seven and my primary concern as a single parent was what would happen if he didn’t have me around. I also knew that I wanted to one day extend my family, so had to make quick decisions about freezing my eggs before starting chemotherapy.
Breast cancer in women under 50 isn’t rare, but current screening doesn’t reflect that. Anything that helps identify risk earlier and enables women to take action – whether through more frequent screening or preventative options – has the power to save lives.
Lester Barr, Consultant Breast Surgeon, Co-Founder and Honorary President of Prevent Breast Cancer, commented:
This study shows how science can be used to personalise care, identifying which women are most at risk well before symptoms appear. It’s a vital step toward a future where early intervention and prevention are possible for more women, not just those with a family history.
As cases rise in younger women, we believe it’s time for the NHS to move towards a more personalised approach to breast cancer screening based on comprehensive risk assessments for younger women.
We’re proud to support the Bcan-Ray study and the extraordinary legacy of Sarah Harding. Together, we are one step closer to a future where breast cancer can be detected earlier and – ultimately – prevented altogether.
Find out about Prevent Breast Cancer’s current breast cancer research projects.
About Prevent Breast Cancer
Prevent Breast Cancer is the only UK charity entirely dedicated to the prediction and prevention of breast cancer – we’re committed to freeing the world from the disease altogether. Unlike many cancer charities, we’re focused on preventing, rather than curing. Promoting early diagnosis, screening and lifestyle changes, we believe we can stop the problem before it starts. And being situated at the only breast cancer prevention centre in the UK, we’re right at the front-line in the fight against the disease. Join us today and help us create a future free from breast cancer. If you have any questions or concerns, email us today.
