BMI–Breast Cancer Study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Association Between Body Mass Index and Tumour Characteristics in Breast Cancer: An Observational Cohort Study (BMI-BC Study)
IRAS ID
370324
Contact name
Suhaib Ahmad
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Swansea University Health Board
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
68, Protocol 3
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 4 months, 1 days
Research summary
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women, and outcomes can vary depending on how advanced the cancer is at diagnosis and the type of tumour present. There is growing evidence that body weight, particularly obesity, may influence how breast cancer develops and behaves. However, the exact relationship between body mass index (BMI) and tumour characteristics remains unclear.
This study aims to explore whether BMI at the time of diagnosis is linked to differences in tumour features in women with breast cancer. Specifically, we will examine whether women with higher BMI are more likely to present with more advanced disease, larger tumours, or more aggressive cancer types.
The study will use existing clinical data from approximately 1,400 women treated for breast cancer at Swansea Bay University Health Board. As this is a retrospective study, no patients will be contacted and no additional tests or treatments will be carried out. All information will be collected from routinely recorded medical records, including details such as height, weight, tumour characteristics, and treatment received.
Patient confidentiality will be strictly protected. All data will be anonymised before analysis, and no identifiable information will be used in any reports or publications.
There are no direct benefits to individual patients taking part, as the study does not involve any intervention. However, the findings may help improve understanding of how obesity affects breast cancer. This could support better risk assessment, guide treatment decisions, and inform future research and public health strategies aimed at improving cancer outcomes.
Overall, this study seeks to provide valuable insights into the role of BMI in breast cancer, using real-world data without placing any additional burden on patients.REC name
North of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 1
REC reference
26/NS/0041
Date of REC Opinion
1 May 2026
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion