PhDs in Focus: Bringing the family into breast cancer prevention
Welcome to our PhDs in Focus blog series, where our new cohort of PhD students are showcasing their pioneering research projects at the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Manchester Biomedical Research Centre (BRC).
In this blog, Manchester BRC PhD student Mai Haiba outlines how their PhD project focuses on the role of the family in helping women lose weight to reduce their breast cancer risk, as part of the Cancer Prevention and Early Detection theme.
Hear Mai Haiba discuss her research and share advice she’d give to those thinking of applying to do a PhD
My journey into health promotion and disease prevention
After graduating from Alexandria University in Egypt with a degree in medicine, I developed a strong interest in health promotion and disease prevention, particularly within the field of nutrition. This passion led me to pursue a master’s in public health and nutrition at the High Institute of Public Health at Alexandria University in Egypt. My research there focused on supporting mothers in shaping the future health of their babies by exploring complementary feeding practices and potential nutritional deficiencies in infants. Through this work, I came to view the family as a fundamental unit in the overall health of the community. It’s challenging to address an individual’s health without considering family dynamics and influences.
Transition to the UK and career development
When I moved to the UK with my family, I registered as a dietitian with the Health and Care Professions Council, allowing me to work within the NHS. This role gave me firsthand experience of the British national health system and inspired me to pursue a career in research and academia.
I applied for a PhD studentship funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Manchester Biomedical Research Centre, which aligned perfectly with my research interests. This project, which is part of the Cancer Prevention and Early Detection theme, focuses on the role of the family in helping women lose weight to reduce their breast cancer risk.
The rising prevalence of obesity and its impact on cancer risk
Obesity is a significant public health challenge, closely linked to the development of 13 types of cancer. Research shows that the obesity cancer risk is more pronounced in women than in men. Observational studies show less cancers when people lose weight.
Addressing unique challenges women face in weight management
I believe women can often face unique challenges in achieving and maintaining a healthy weight, especially women who are juggling childcare responsibilities which involves a complex array of childcare duties, often alongside full-time work or education.
According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS) report in 2022, about 84% of single parent families in the UK are headed by women as the primary caregivers. In two parent families, the same report showed employed women with dependent children were the primary caregivers responsible for the daily care of their children and their health needs. This showed women spend more time on unpaid childcare (an average of 84 minutes per day) and household work (an average of 169 minutes per day) compared to employed men living with dependent children (55 and 106 minutes per day, respectively). In another survey by Carers UK in 2020, 72% of mothers reported being the primary caregiver of their children managing multiple children’s needs, especially in families with more than one child. These responsibilities further complicate efforts to maintain healthy dietary and exercise habits.
The potential of family-based interventions
My interest in these challenges led me to apply for a research project focusing on family-based weight loss interventions for women at risk of breast cancer. Family-based interventions have shown promise in addressing childhood obesity, with benefits often extending to parents through a spillover effect. Examples of family involvement in weight loss interventions include family nutrition education sessions, family meals, walking challenges and family shopping. Studies suggest that the social support provided by family members can enhance the effectiveness of obesity treatment, promoting healthier behaviours across the entire family.
The gap in research for family-based interventions in women
Family interventions are effective for managing weight in children, however, there is limited research on their effectiveness in managing adult obesity, particularly among mothers. To our knowledge, no studies have specifically targeted weight loss among women at risk of cancer using a family-based approach. Given the genetic predisposition to cancer within families, such an approach could benefit both mothers and their children in the long run.
The road ahead
Our research aims to fill this gap by tailoring family-based interventions to support weight loss in women at risk of obesity-related cancers. By leveraging the supportive environment of the family, we hope to foster sustainable health improvements that benefit the entire family unit. This holistic approach aligns with the NIHR Manchester BRC’s mission to drive health advancements through innovative and inclusive research.