With the annual number of Australians diagnosed with cancer expected to surpass 200,000 by 2034, it has never been more important to understand who gets cancer and why. These are just some of the questions the Australian Breakthrough Cancer (ABC) Study is trying to answer.
Working with a cohort of over 56,000 Australians, the ABC Study is investigating the role that our genes, lifestyle and environment play in the development of disease.
Over the next 20-30 years, we will follow ABC Study participants to see who develops diseases such as cancer. Using online questionnaires, data on family history of cancer, diet and other lifestyle factors as well as saliva, blood, tumour and microbiome samples, we will develop an accurate and complete picture of what causes cancer and other diseases.
Members of the ABC Study team packing up microbiome sample kits for participants.
To ensure we are building a strong and robust data resource that is of maximum use to researchers and health professionals across the world, we are continuing to capture more samples and data from participants, including 19,820 gut microbiome samples and 317 tumour samples from the 331 participants who have been diagnosed with cancer.
In recent years, more evidence has emerged about the link between physical inactivity and increased risk of 13 types of cancer. However, there are very few large-scale studies exploring the impact of physical movement on cancer. Addressing this gap in research will be a focus for the ABC Study over the next two years as we aim to capture the physical activity and sedentary behaviour of all participants using real-time 24-hour monitoring devices called Accelerometers.
By harnessing the power of technology, we will capture critical insights on the interactions between sleep, physical activity and the development of cancer - insights that have the potential to improve the prevention and treatment of cancer.
The ABC Study and its legacy on cancer research is only made possible by the generous Victorians who support it, either by participating in the Study or funding it, including the Gandel Foundation who have played a critical role in expanding the ABC Study.
“At its core, Gandel Foundation empowers communities to deliver programs and activities that create a lasting positive impact on the quality of life of people in Australian and Jewish communities.
Gandel Foundation saw the benefit in supporting Cancer Council Victoria’s ABC Study to explore the impact of physical movement on developing cancer. It is important to Gandel Foundation to support programs and activities that address the underlying causes of cancer and empower people to improve their wellbeing," said Graham Goldsmith AO, Deputy Chairman, Gandel Foundation.
Laboratory where participant samples are stored
The ABC Study is enabling researchers to develop and refine our understanding of the individual risk factors for cancer and other diseases. By more accurately predicting cancer risk based on an individual’s genetic profile and lifestyle, we will be able to deliver more personalised health advice and better targeted public health messages.
This study also plays an important role in laying the foundation for laboratory and clinical research by uncovering new genetic targets and biological pathways for improving cancer diagnosis and treatment therapies.
Australian Breakthrough Cancer Study
The Australian Breakthrough Cancer (ABC) Study is a long-term study working with over 56,000 Australians to investigate the causes of common non-communicable diseases, particularly cancer.
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