PROCAS: Predicting the Risk of Cancer at Screening

Back to media centre  |   Category: Latest News  |   Date: 31st Aug 2010

The PROCAS study, led by Professor Gareth Evans, aims to predict each woman’s personal breast cancer risk. All women aged between 50 and 74 who go for routine screening mammograms as part of the NHS Breast Screening Programme in Greater Manchester are being invited to join the study over the next two and a half years. To date we have recruited over 35,700 women and around 60,000 in total are expected to take part.

Data will be collected on the following breast cancer risk factors: breast density, lifestyle factors and family history. These are used together to give an overall risk score for each woman.

Around 10,000 women will also be invited to provide a saliva DNA sample, which will be tested for genes associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. So far DNA has been collected from 2,600. Genesis is funding the DNA part of The PROCAS study.


PROCAS is the first study to investigate the use of these genetic tests on women who undergo routine screening. All women are given the choice whether to find out their personal risk of breast cancer. High risk women can then consult an expert at the Genesis Prevention Centre at Wythenshawe Hospital, and if appropriate, undergo more frequent screening and other preventative measures. The aim of the study is that all women who attend routine breast screening will be given the opportunity to have their breast cancer risk calculated. This means that women at higher risk can be offered more frequent screening and preventative interventions.



Pamela Daniels, 53, from Ashton under Lyne, was among the first 5,000 women to take part in the study. Because of her close family history of breast cancer, she has found out she has a one in four chance of getting the disease. Mrs Daniels will now undergo breast screening every 18 months instead of every three years and will be offered a place on a drug trial. Mrs Daniels says, ‘I know it seems frightening but I really think it is best to know and I would encourage other women to take part too.’

If you are interested in participating and fulfil the necessary criteria (are of breast screening age and enrolled in The Greater Manchester breast screening programme), contact The Procas Team on 0161 291 4408 or email procas.study@uhsm.nhs.uk.