A feasibility study of offering breast cancer risk assessment to women through general practice
Breast cancer affects around 1 in 7 women in the UK. Many women who are at higher risk do not know it, meaning they miss out on early screening or preventive treatments. Researchers at the University of Cambridge want to see if GP surgeries can use a tool called CanRisk to calculate a woman's personal risk. This tool looks at lifestyle, family history, and optional genetic information from a saliva sample. Women aged 40 to 49 registered with participating GP surgeries in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough can join. Most women will have an average risk and will receive reassuring guidance. Those found to have a higher risk will be invited to see their GP to discuss extra monitoring or preventive options. Taking part involves filling out surveys and an optional home spit test.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in UK women, with about 1 in 7 receiving a diagnosis in their lifetime. When doctors spot a higher risk early, they can offer options like earlier mammograms, medications, or lifestyle support. However, many women at higher risk do not realise it, particularly if they do not have a strong family history of cancer.
To help solve this, researchers developed an online tool called CanRisk. It combines information about your family health history, personal lifestyle, hormones, and optional genetic checks to give an accurate estimate of your personal breast cancer risk. While specialist cancer clinics already use this tool, researchers want to see if it can be used easily and effectively in regular GP surgeries.
The CanRisk-GP study is testing how well this process works for both patients and GP teams. By finding out whether GP practices can smoothly run these assessments, the study hopes to create a routine service that helps more women take control of their breast health before cancer ever develops.
Key takeaways
- Tests whether GP surgeries can effectively offer breast cancer risk checks.
- Open to women aged 40 to 49 registered at participating GP surgeries in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.
- Involves an online questionnaire and an optional home saliva sample for genetics.
- Most women will receive reassuring results showing an average risk.
- Women found to have a higher risk will be offered a GP appointment to explore options like earlier screening.
- Participation is entirely voluntary and designed to be completed easily from home.
Who may be eligible?
This study is open to women aged 40 to 49 who are registered at participating GP surgeries in the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough area. If the study needs more participants, it may also open to women aged 35 to 40. You must be able to understand the study details and give your own consent in English.
You cannot take part if you have previously been diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer, or if you already know you carry a high-risk cancer gene fault (such as a BRCA gene change). It is also not suitable for people who have had advanced (metastatic) cancer, those receiving end-of-life care, or anyone who has previously opted out of being contacted for NHS research.
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 a woman aged between 40 and 49.
- I am registered at a participating GP surgery in Cambridgeshire or Peterborough.
- I have never been diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer.
- I do not have a known high-risk cancer gene fault (like BRCA).
- I am happy to read study forms and fill out surveys in English.
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, you will sign a consent form online and fill out a health questionnaire through the MyCanRisk website or by post. You will also be asked if you would like to include a simple genetic check; if you agree, the team will post a saliva collection kit with a prepaid return envelope to your home.
Once your details are checked, you and your GP surgery will receive a risk report. If your risk is average, you will receive a results letter and helpful advice on breast awareness. If your results show a moderate or higher risk, you will be invited to book a routine appointment with your GP to talk through options, which might include referral to a specialist clinic. You will also be asked to complete short online feedback surveys after 4 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months. Some participants may be invited to take part in an optional discussion about their experience.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Not provided at time of registrationUnverifiedNO COUNTRY SPECIFIED, assuming England, England
Common questions
Do I have to do the genetic saliva test?
No, the saliva test is completely optional. You can still complete the lifestyle and family history assessment without giving a saliva sample.
Will taking part affect my everyday GP care?
No. Taking part will not change the standard NHS care you receive, and your regular doctor will still look after you as normal.
What happens if my results show a higher risk?
You will be invited to a GP appointment to talk through your results. Your GP can explain what the result means and discuss options like regular checks or seeing a specialist.
Do I need to visit a hospital or clinic?
No study visits to a hospital are required. Everything is done online, by post, or over the phone, unless you need a routine follow-up with your own GP.
Can I leave the study if I change my mind?
Yes, you can step down from the study at any time without giving a reason, and your medical care will not be affected.
How to find out more
Cambridge University Hospitals CanRisk-GP study team
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
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