Across Generations: BC Generations Project Newsletter, Winter 2023/24
Beyond borders: BC-led research boosted by Alberta data
Population-based studies rely on the power of numbers. By maximizing participants within a study, researchers can conduct large-scale data analyses to yield insights and findings not possible using smaller study populations.
This approach is at the core of two multi-year studies that are combining BC Generations Project data with information collected by participants in Alberta’s Tomorrow Project. These BC-led studies are exploring:
- The impacts of nighttime light and the risk for breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer (described in our Winter 2022/23 newsletter), and
- How breast cancer risk might be assessed by measuring metabolites in the blood (see back page story).
Successfully collecting and sharing relevant data between regions requires careful planning and collaboration, according to Dr. Parveen Bhatti, Scientific Director of the BC Generations Project. “We’ve needed to coordinate our data collection efforts with other cohorts across Canada, including the use of similar questionnaires and a comprehensive data harmonization process, to pool the data for these studies.”
Both the BC and Alberta cohorts are part of CanPath – the Canadian Partnership for Tomorrow’s Health – which brings together seven regional cohorts under a national umbrella. The ability to draw data and biosamples from the combined 330,000+ participants enables researchers to analyze many thousands of data points at a time.
CanPath is also working nationally to help streamline approval processes for multi-region studies, which are often hampered by competing provincial regulations.
Breast cancer risk: the answer may lie in your blood
Even with modern lifesaving treatments for breast cancer, many survivors are still faced with serious and debilitating health issues post-treatment. Rather than treating cancer once it is diagnosed, the ideal solution would be to prevent breast cancers from occurring in the first place.
The BC Generations Project is currently conducting a study to determine if sophisticated blood chemistry testing can identify women at higher risk of developing breast cancer.
The approach relies on metabolomics technology, which enables thousands of blood metabolites to be measured at the same time. Metabolites are small molecules that are either naturally produced by the body during metabolism (digestion or other bodily processes), or in response to external factors.
While some contributing factors for breast cancer cannot be changed (e.g., breast density and age), there are powerful ways to lower risk through lifestyle (see story, below). Women whose metabolomics testing reflects a higher-than-average risk could be offered more intensive help to make risk-lowering changes, such as access to medically supervised weight loss programs. They could also be offered enhanced screening to enable earlier detection and treatment.
The study is being led by graduate student Ly Trinh, who is completing a Master of Science degree at the University of British Columbia’s School of Population and Public Health. Ly is applying advanced data analysis techniques, such as machine learning, to study data and biosamples available from the BC Generations Project and Alberta’s Tomorrow Project.
“My goal is to develop tools that can accurately assess future breast cancer risk long before symptom onset,” says Ly. “Ultimately, this would help physicians provide women with personalized health recommendations and supports.”
Ways to reduce the risk of breast cancer
You might be surprised to learn that, for many, lifestyle and behaviours are much more important factors for breast health than genetic influences. Only 5-10% of all breast cancers have a genetic cause, while up to 42% are linked to lifestyle factors.
You have the power to reduce your risk of developing breast cancer. Here are four simple, research-backed actions women can take to maintain better breast health:
- Maintain a healthy body weight
- Maintain an active lifestyle
- Limit alcohol use
- Weigh the risks and benefits of hormone replacement therapy for menopause symptoms with your doctor
For more information, visit BC Cancer’s web page on Breast Health.
Help spread the word
Do you have friends or family living in Saskatchewan or Manitoba? These newest cohorts in CanPath are recruiting participants aged 30-74! Residents of these two provinces can join by reaching out to:
Healthy Future Sask – recruiting throughout 2024
Manitoba Tomorrow Project – recruiting until March 31, 2024
Thanks for your contributions!
Last year, we told you about the launch of a campaign to collect a new set of biosamples from 10% of our participants. We’re pleased to report that 3,100+ blood samples and 2,600+ stool samples have now been added to our biobank. We hope to expand collection to more of our cohort in the future.
Don’t Lose Touch
If you’re planning to move or change your email address, please let us know by sending your new contact details to bcgenupdate@bccrc.ca or calling 604.675.8221 (toll free 1.877.675.8221).
