A study looking at the reduced risk of breast cancer in women with coeliac disease
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This study was done to find out more about why women with coeliac disease have a reduced risk of breast cancer.
More about this trial
Coeliac disease is a disorder of the 
. It is caused by a reaction of the body’s immune system to gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye and barley. People with coeliac disease need to follow a gluten free diet to avoid symptoms and to prevent damage to the small bowel.
Several studies have shown that women with coeliac disease have a reduced risk of breast cancer. But the reasons for this are still unclear.
The researchers running the study collected and analysed information about women with coeliac disease. They compared this to information from a group of women of a similar age who did not have coeliac disease (the control group).
The aim of this study was to understand more about why coeliac disease is linked to a reduced risk of breast cancer.
Summary of results
The research team found that women with coeliac disease had some factors that increased their risk of breast cancer and some factors that decreased their risk of breast cancer.
The study team asked 10,193 women with coeliac disease to complete a questionnaire and they got 7,416 responses. The questionnaire asked about a number of lifestyle and reproductive factors. They compared their answers to those from women without coeliac disease.
They found that women with coeliac disease are more likely to
- Have had a baby, and had their first baby before turning 30
- Have breastfed their babies
- Be younger when they go through the menopause
These factors all reduce the risk of developing breast cancer.
However, they also found that women with coeliac disease are more likely to
- Be white
- Have started their periods before they were 11
- Have irregular periods
- Be in a higher social class
These factors all increase the risk of developing breast cancer.
The women with coeliac disease had a similar average height and weight to that of the general population.
The research team concluded that women with coeliac disease had some factors that increase and some factors that decrease the risk of breast cancer developing. They suggest that the reduced risk of breast cancer is related to menstrual and reproductive factors.
We have based this summary on information from the team who ran the study. The information they sent us has been reviewed by independent specialists () but may not have been published in a medical journal. The figures we quote above were provided by the study team. We have not analysed the data ourselves.
Recruitment start:
Recruitment end:
How to join a clinical trial
Please note: In order to join a trial you will need to discuss it with your doctor, unless otherwise specified.
Chief Investigator
Dr N. Lewis
Professor R. Logan
Dr J. West
Supported by
Cancer Research UK
Coeliac UK
Derby Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Nottingham University Hospital NHS Trust
Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
If you have questions about the trial please contact our cancer information nurses
Freephone 0808 800 4040
