Breast Cancer Prevention Conference 2025: The global scientific cooperative that’s empowering individuals to reduce their risk

Breast Cancer UK Prevention Conference
Studies tell us that at least 30% of breast cancer cases are preventable, which means that before we even consider screenings, treatment and cures, there are a whole host of variables that could potentially impact our risk. Breast Cancer UK say “at least”, because when it comes to our exposure to increasingly pervasive environmental chemicals, there is still a lot of research to be done. That’s why the conference is bringing together the industry-leading scientists uncovering the links between our lifestyle choices, our environment and our health.

While Breast Cancer UK is proud to support its own pioneering research into this underfunded area, such a broad and complex topic requires a collective effort. The conference will create a global reference library of new evidence, touching on everything from the potential cross-generational effects of environmental exposures in the womb to the latest research on the health implications of air pollution.

Keynote speaker Dr Jenny Kay, of Silent Spring Institute, whose research explores the toxicology and carcinogenicity of environmental exposure, believes this kind of event is crucial for broadening the conversation on breast cancer prevention: “With breast cancer rates increasing globally, especially in young women, we need answers to address – and reverse – this alarming trend. Growing evidence suggests environmental factors, in particular chemicals in our everyday lives, are important contributing factors. Now more than ever, we need scientists and policymakers working together to find ways to limit these harmful exposures and create a healthier environment for everyone.”

The conference’s diverse programme also delves into the impact of lifestyle interventions and life stages. From a talk on the proven preventative power of physical activity; to studies on the protective benefits of breast-feeding and the role of stress levels on breast cancer risk; the conference will enable academics to pool their knowledge and create a bigger picture. With this information, Breast Cancer UK will continue to build empowering educational resources which enable people to take their health into their own hands one habit at a time.

While not all cases are preventable, with breast cancer rates rising, Breast Cancer UK Trustee Nazia Tingay stresses the importance of advancing our understanding of modifiable risk factors: ““With the likelihood of breast cancer increasing (now 1 in 7 women will get breast cancer) it is imperative we research and understand how we can reduce risk to protect women. I wish this information had been available to me twenty years ago.”