University of Oxford

3

Toral Gathani

OFHS240119

The aim of the study is to associations of ethnicity with the common cancers (particularly breast, prostate and gynaecological). We will describe in specific ethnic groups: 1) detailed risk factor profiles, including reproductive, lifestyle and genetic factors 2) the routes to the diagnosis and patterns of presentation 3) survival taking into account tumour characteristics and treatment Hormonally associated cancers, such as breast cancer and prostate cancer, are the most commonly diagnosed cancers in women and men in the UK respectively. The 2021 census data shows that the largest single minority ethnic groups are Indian, Pakistani, Black African and Black Caribbean. These groups are under-represented in cancer research. Previous research using national data has shown significant differences in the numbers of cancers that are diagnosed (incidence) and how many people survive from their cancer among people from broad ethnic groups such as Asians and Blacks. Evaluation of cancer incidence and ethnicity requires detailed information from studies of people such as Our Future Health that collect information from participants before they develop disease. This information may be about reproductive and lifestyle factors e.g. how many children they have or how much alcohol they consume. Information about factors that may be inherited, such as certain genes, can be collected from blood samples. Variations in survival by ethnicity may be due to delays in diagnosis or differences in the types of cancer people are diagnosed with and/or access to treatment. This research will provide valuable insights about cancer and ethnicity, and can inform key public health messages in specific communities.

Cancer is a common and important public health problem which is under researched in ethnic minority groups. Our study will benefit the public by focusing on common cancers which affect people from all communities. We aim to provide detailed information about risk factor profiles and the presentation of these common cancers in different ethnic groups which can help inform targeted public health messages in different communities.

Public Health Research

28/02/2025

22/02/2025

TRE