Evaluating the uptake and impact of an adapted breast cancer risk assessment pathway in primary care amongst South Asian and Black women
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women across the UK. Several things can affect your chance of developing it, including your family history, lifestyle, and genetics. However, many women under 50 do not know their risk level. Research also shows that Black and South Asian women are less likely to be invited to or take part in breast cancer risk assessments. The PREVENT-Breast study is testing an online risk check called MyCanRisk in GP surgeries across Manchester, Cambridgeshire, and Peterborough. Eligible women aged 40 to 49 answer questions about their health, family history, and lifestyle. They can also choose to give an optional saliva sample for genetic testing. The tool calculates your personal risk. If your risk is moderate or high, you will be offered support and potential NHS specialist care. Taking part helps researchers make cancer prevention fairer and more accessible.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Breast cancer affects thousands of women across the UK every year. Finding cancer early, or knowing if you are at higher risk, makes it much easier to treat and manage. Things like your family health history, lifestyle habits, and genetics all play a role in your overall risk. Even so, many women in their forties are unaware of what their personal risk might be.
Medical research shows that women from Black and South Asian backgrounds are less likely to have breast cancer risk assessments. The PREVENT-Breast study aims to change this. Researchers want to see if offering a clear, tailored risk assessment directly through local GP practices makes it easier and more welcoming for women from these communities to take part.
By taking part, you help doctors learn how to reach more women and provide better preventive care. You also gain personal knowledge about your own breast health. If the check reveals that your risk is higher than average, the NHS can step in early with extra guidance, lifestyle advice, or specialist breast screening.
Key takeaways
- Tests a new GP-based breast cancer risk check for Black and South Asian women aged 40 to 49.
- Running in selected GP practices across Manchester, Cambridgeshire, and Peterborough.
- Involves an online questionnaire about your lifestyle and family history, with an optional saliva test.
- Women found to be at moderate or high risk will be offered specialist NHS guidance and support.
- Taking part is completely free, voluntary, and can be done from home.
Who may be eligible?
This study is open to women aged 40 to 49 who were assigned female at birth and are registered with a participating GP practice in Manchester or Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. You must also have your ethnic background recorded in your GP notes as Black or South Asian.
You cannot take part if you have previously had breast cancer or ovarian cancer, or if you have already had genetic tests for high-risk breast cancer genes. Women who are receiving palliative care, those having gender-affirming hormone therapy, or those who have already joined similar studies (such as CanRisk-GP or BCAN-RAY) are also unable to join.
Your GP surgery will check your health records first. If you are eligible, they will send you an invitation letter or message explaining how to sign up.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- I am aged between 40 and 49.
- I was assigned female at birth.
- I have a Black or South Asian ethnic background.
- I am registered at a participating GP surgery in Manchester or Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.
- I have never been diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer.
- I have not had genetic testing for high-risk breast cancer genes in the past.
What does participation involve?
If you receive an invitation and choose to join, you will complete an online consent form and a short questionnaire. Next, you will use an online tool called MyCanRisk. This asks simple questions about your family history, health, and lifestyle. You will also have the choice to post a saliva sample to test for common genetic markers, but this is completely optional.
The study uses this information to calculate your personal breast cancer risk. You will receive your results along with clear information about breast awareness. If your results show a moderate or high risk, you will be offered an appointment with your GP or a referral to an NHS specialist. You will also be asked to fill in two short surveys after one month and three months to share your thoughts. Some women may also be invited to take part in an optional interview. In total, your involvement lasts between three and six months.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
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Common questions
Do I have to provide a saliva sample to take part?
No. Giving a saliva sample is completely optional. You can still complete the online assessment and get your risk score without it.
What happens if my risk score is high?
If your results show a moderate or high risk, you will be invited to discuss the results with your GP and may be referred to an NHS specialist for extra screening or advice.
Does taking part cost anything?
No. The study is completely free. The assessment is completed online, and any required kits are sent to your home.
How long will it take to do the assessment?
Filling in the online forms and the MyCanRisk assessment usually takes under an hour, and you can do it at home in your own time.
Can I leave the study if I change my mind?
Yes. Taking part is entirely voluntary. You can stop participating at any point, and your regular NHS medical care will not be affected.
How to find out more
Amy Lafont
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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