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Scientists think that at least half of all the 44,000 cases of breast cancer diagnosed each year in the UK could in principle be prevented if we understood the causes. But the evidence suggests that the causes of breast cancer are complicated, involving a mixture of factors that act at different stages of a woman's life, probably starting before birth, and continuing to the menopause and beyond.

In it for the long haul

To find out what these factors are, and how they combine with each other to cause breast cancer, the Breakthrough Generations Study will follow more than 100,000 women over 40 years. By taking blood samples from them and asking them questions about their health, lifestyle and experiences, the study will give scientists a huge amount of data on genetics, physical development, height, puberty, menopause, pregnancies, contraceptive & HRT use, mammograms, medical history, diet, alcohol, smoking, exercise and other factors. Analysis of this information will shed new light on the causes of breast cancer – for the benefit of our customers and staff, their daughters, daughters’ daughters and women worldwide.

"Breakthrough is extremely grateful to M&S for tis long term support, allowing us to fund the Breakthrough Generations Study"

Ultimately, this will empower women to make informed lifestyle decisions to reduce their risk of breast cancer, with the aim of preventing many thousands developing and dying from this disease. This is the only study of its kind, on this scale, in the world and can only be carried out in the UK, firstly thanks to the unique structure of the NHS, which enables the study team to keep in touch with participants, and secondly, as a result of the boldness of Breakthrough in undertaking the 40 year commitment necessary to realise the full potential of this unique study.

Jeremy Hughes, Chief Executive of Breakthrough Breast Cancer, says: "Breakthrough is extremely grateful to M&S for its long term support, allowing us to fund the Breakthrough Generations Study".

Breakthrough Breast Cancer has also recently announced that it has reached its recruitment target of 100,000 participants for the Generations Study - fantastic news, which has come sooner than expected. To mark this special occasion, Sarah Brown, who recently joined the Study herself, invited two members of the Study to No.10 Downing Street to discuss being part of the research. Sarah said "When I found out about the Breakthrough Generations Study I knew that is was important for me to join. If the 100,000 women taking part can help scientists find the causes of breast cancer it will be a wonderful achievement by all of us".

Look out for the specially designed products in-store during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October – M&S is proud to donate 10% of the sale of these, (and also from the sale of its post surgery lingerie range), to Breakthrough Breast Cancer, to help continue their good work.

"When I found out about the Breakthrough Generations Study I knew that is was important for me to join. If the 100,000 women taking part can help scientists find the causes of breast cancer it will be a wonderful achievement by all of us" Sarah Brown