This research aims to discover more about the basic biology of breast cancer, and learn more about how breast cancer actually forms.

Breast cancer is not simply one disease with a single cause; it is a group of diseases. Each case of breast cancer is unique. What kick starts breast cells to become cancerous, and tumours to form, what triggers their growth and makes the disease progress is different for each patient.

This is why medical research is so vital, but just as individual patients’ treatment is tailored to them, our increased understanding of the complexities makes isolating a single factor more challenging.

It is vital that scientists identify the key genes, molecules and matrix of lifestyle factors that drive breast cancer development and progression. Only by working out this complex chain of events can scientists begin to develop new drugs and treatments to stop this happening. It is also important clinicians know what ‘type’ of breast cancer a person has and how it is likely to progress in order to treat them effectively. Additionally, understanding the factors that contribute to breast cancer development, such as our lifestyle and diet, is invaluable in educating the public about prevention and managing their risk.