MDX hosts Breast Cancer UK conference to share pioneering research on disease prevention

Delegates to discuss latest findings in lowering risk of most common cancer in women in UK

Experts from around the world will attend a Breast Cancer UK Breast Cancer Prevention Conference at Middlesex University this week [10-11 June] to discuss the latest cutting-edge research into preventing the disease which affects 56,000 women and 400 men each year in the UK.

During two days, over 20 expert speakers from Canada, France, Germany and the United States, as well as the UK, will explore the impact of chemical, environmental and lifestyle factors on occurrence and prevention of the disease, which is the most common cancer in women in the UK and will affect one in seven women over their lifetime.

This is the second time that the University and the charity have worked together on a conference after a successful inaugural event in 2023.

Dr Britta Stordal, Associate Professor in Cancer Research at Middlesex University, said: “The conference brings together leading experts to discuss the newest developments in breast cancer prevention, identifying potential gaps in research, and encouraging more studies into less well-understood risk factors, such as exposure to environmental chemicals.”

Keynote speaker Dr Jennifer Kay, a Research Scientist at the Silent Spring Institute in the United States, will start the conference by highlighting the potential links between environmental chemicals and breast cancer risk. Her talk will be followed by lectures and panel discussions on endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) which disrupt the body’s hormones such as bisphenol A (BPA ), found in plastic food and drink containers and linings for food and drink cans. The potential long-term effects of exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS ), which are a class of man-made chemicals that do not break down easily, and to air pollution will also be discussed.

Dr Stordal said: “We know that having high levels of oestrogen in the body increases breast cancer risk so exposure to environmental chemicals such as EDCs could be a contributing factor by affecting hormone levels. There are many laboratory studies showing that EDCs can contribute to cancer development. However, large human studies are often difficult to conduct as there can be a very long time between exposure to EDCs and other pollutants and the development of breast cancer.

“Logically, it makes sense that if you reduce your exposure to certain chemicals in the environment, it is likely to be better for your health, but we need more research to prove an increased risk of breast cancer.”

Other topics under discussion will include what should be measured during breast screening, male breast cancer risk, and the possible role of stress in breast cancer risk.

A number of speakers will also present on the beneficial lifestyle factors that reduce your risk of breast cancer, including the protective effects of breastfeeding and of being physically active. Based on scientific studies, at least 30 per cent of breast cancer cases in the UK, the equivalent of 17,000 cases a year, can be prevented by making lifestyle changes such as reducing alcohol, eating healthily, maintaining a healthy weight, and exercising regularly. There is now a body of research, for example, to show that people who exercise regularly are at reduced risk of developing breast cancer and of breast cancer recurrence.

The conference will close with a panel discussion, chaired by Dr Hannah Moody of Breast Cancer UK, on how the science can be translated into meaningful policy changes to promote breast cancer prevention.

Dr Stordal said: “With more than 20 talks and panel discussions, this is a fantastic opportunity following our first successful conference to shine a light on the latest research into breast cancer prevention, and bring together leading experts in this field to share ideas, discuss new research coming through, and to foster collaboration on new studies in the future.”

Thalie Martini, CEO of Breast Cancer UK , who was awarded an Honorary Degree by Middlesex University last year for her contribution to disease prevention, said: “This conference is not just about expanding our knowledge, but it is an opportunity for important connections to be made and opportunities for collaborative research from scientists, academics, clinicians, nurses, students, members of not-for-profit organisations and others who all have an interest in prevention research.”

• Breast Cancer UK’s Breast Cancer Prevention Conference takes place at Middlesex University on 10th and 11th June - see the full programme.