The incidence of cancer in Ireland will rise by almost 40% within 15 years. Consequently, cancer prevention is a key priority for the Republic of Ireland (ROI) and Northern Ireland (NI). Preventing cancer is challenging, as many risk factors for the disease are not readily modifiable. Some common forms of cancer, such as breast cancer, have so few modifiable risk factors that reducing incidence rates through traditional public health approaches is unfeasible, highlighting the need for innovative precision cancer prevention strategies. One promising approach involves illuminating the mechanisms of cancer susceptibility that are mediated by inherited non-coding genetic variants in cancer-associated regions of the genome. Although these genetic variants are unmodifiable, the genes and pathways they affect may be amenable to therapeutic perturbation, providing promising targets for precision cancer prevention. The purpose of this project is to establish the necessary laboratory techniques to assess cancer-associated non-coding genetic variants on a large scale in Ireland. Initially focused on breast cancer, these techniques will also be applicable to other cancer types. Ultimately, the project seeks to bridge the knowledge gap in translating cancer genetic variant associations into precision preventative interventions for those at risk of developing cancer.
