Breast Cancer BRAs Study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Breast Cancer BRAs Study (Breast Cancer Biomechanics of Radiotherapy And Surgery): The Effects of Breast Surgery and Radiotherapy on the Breast Biomechanics and Breast Support Requirements of Women Treated for Breast Cancer.
IRAS ID
348050
Contact name
Edward St John
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Breast cancer is an increasingly common condition, affecting 56,000 women annually in the UK. Surgery and radiotherapy are commonly used to treat breast cancer. Both these treatments can affect the structure and movement of the breast tissue, which are collectively called breast biomechanics. Breast biomechanics has already been studied in women without breast cancer and in female athletes, and we know from this research that breast biomechanics can affect bra support requiremets. However, breast biomechanics has not yet been significantly investigated in women undergoing treatment for breast cancer.
This study, delivered by Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust (PHU) in conjunction with the Research Group in Breast Health at the University of Portsmouth (UoP), aims to assess whether it is possible to test breast biomechanics in women who have had surgery with or without radiotherapy for the treatment of breast cancer. Patients who would be eligible to participate in this study include women aged 18 or above treated surgically for breast cancer that affects one of their breasts.
Patients will be recruited from the Breast Unit at Queen Alexandra Hospital, Cosham. Participation in this study will involve attending the biomechanics testing laboratory at UoP after their surgery and/or after radiotherapy, and optionally before surgery too. 3D scans and sensors will be used to assess the structure and movement of the breast. Participants will be asked their views on the testing methods, as well as their bra requirements and exercise habits before and after breast cancer treatment.
The information generated from this study could be used in the future to help design better bras for women treated for breast cancer. It could also help women make decisions about treatment based on evidence about how the breast is likely to move differently afterwards and improve satisfaction with treatment outcomes.
REC name
South Central - Hampshire A Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/SC/0408
Date of REC Opinion
20 Jan 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion