Improving breast cancer screening using genetic risk scores
Official title: Project 2: Optimizing polygenic risk scores to inform breast cancer screening and prevention
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11177233 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how genetic testing can help women understand their risk of developing breast cancer, so they can get better and more personalized screening recommendations, especially for those from diverse backgrounds or at risk for aggressive types of the disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | September 11, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $547,742 |
| NIH project number | 1P01CA281826-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11177233 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include women who are at risk for breast cancer and are interested in genetic testing to inform their screening options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have already been diagnosed with breast cancer or those who do not meet the criteria for genetic testing may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing breast cancer screening and prevention by utilizing genetic testing to calculate polygenic risk scores (PRS). Participants will undergo testing for both rare and common genetic variants, which will help predict their risk of developing breast cancer. The study aims to improve the accuracy of these risk scores, particularly for diverse populations and for identifying aggressive forms of breast cancer. By addressing current limitations in PRS, the research seeks to provide more personalized screening recommendations for women.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and tailored breast cancer screening strategies, potentially reducing the incidence of advanced cancers.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using genetic risk scores for cancer prediction, making this approach both innovative and grounded in prior successes.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shieh, Yiwey — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Shieh, Yiwey
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A small, patient-friendly study will explore whether gut bacteria and their byproducts are connected to high breast density, which can raise cancer risk and make screening less accurate.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.