Risk-Based Screening - Research Call 2025

Breast Cancer Risk in Families: Outreach and Registry

Breast cancer remains one of the most prevalent and life-threatening diseases affecting (wo)men worldwide, despite population-based screening programs and guidelines for risk groups. This highlights the need for risk-based screening to better target and prevent the disease beyond the national screening program. Risk-based breast cancer screening offers a more personalized approach by tailoring screening strategies according to an individual's risk profile. This approach ensures that high-risk individuals receive more intensive monitoring, while lower-risk individuals avoid unnecessary interventions, ultimately enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of breast cancer detection and treatment. This is particularly important for high-risk groups who are below the age at which population screening typically begins.

To identify the opportunities and bottlenecks on this topic, KWF has consulted the field with various expertise’s, e.g. GP, clinicians and patient advocates, in two creative sessions leading to this initiative. 
Our vision is to create a significant impact on the health and well-being of (wo)men and their families by advancing research. Although our ambitions are significant, we must take phased steps that will ultimately contribute to achieving this vision. We welcome research projects that, through multidisciplinary collaboration, can realize this vision and substantially contribute to a better future for (wo)men facing breast cancer risk. We invite all stakeholders to contribute to one of these topics:

• Research to identify, reach, and inform (wo)men (and their relatives) with a very high breast cancer risk (BRCA1/2 or PALB2 mutation) with tailored strategies that enable evidence-based cancer prevention while preserving quality of life.
  (Wo)men with metastatic breast cancer discovering through their doctor that a genetic mutation was already known in their family should be a thing of the past. Such situations underscore the urgent need for improved family communication and proactive genetic counseling to prevent delays in identifying at-risk individuals. Projects must be carried out by all disciplines necessary for this work, such as general practitioners, behavioral scientists, communication experts, and public health organizations. Subjects to consider/include:
   
  • Identifying which approaches are most suitable for specific demographics (e.g., different age groups, ethnic backgrounds).
  • Design strategies to inform (wo)men (and relatives) about the purpose, benefits, possible disadvantages and potential outcomes of risk-based screening. Thereby taking into account the diversity of the population.
  • Ensure that (wo)men (and relatives) understand and accept their personalized screening recommendations and any lifestyle or preventative measures that may support their health.
     
• Infrastructure 
  Infrastructure to register (wo)men and families at high risk for breast cancer. 

Scope

The primary objective of this initiative is research to build, validate and implement an evidence-based, risk-based breast cancer screening approach for high risk (wo)men. The proposals should build on existing knowledge of risk factors—such as genetic predisposition, family history, and other individual health data—to optimize risk-based screening for high-risk groups. This initiative encompasses research outside of the population screening program, yet it must remain aligned with it if applicable. 

Furthermore, we encourage the inclusion of in-kind funding to ensure the budget is sufficient for the large ambitions.

Out of Scope

• Exploratory research: This program will not focus on exploratory or novel research aimed at discovering new risk factors or developing new risk models. Only validated, evidence-based models will be used.
• Development of new screening technologies: The project will not involve the creation or testing of new imaging or diagnostic tools but will rely on established screening technologies (e.g., mammograms, MRI).
• Clinical trials for new therapies: The project is limited to screening; it does not include testing or validating new treatment protocols.

Terms and conditions

Standard KWF conditions apply and in addition:

• The project must be carried out by a consortium consisting of at least four partners and supported by a dedicated project manager. 
• The consortium should include researchers specializing in breast cancer screening, relevant representatives from societal organizations, experts in qualitative research on user experiences, experts in research methodology, and Health Technology Assessment (HTA). The consortium must also incorporate the expertise of behavioral scientists and communication researchers. NOTE: We strongly recommend that you consult KWF for a check on the various disciplines included. If necessary, we can connect with a variety of disciplines within the network.
• The perspective of patients/citizens (with diverse background/SES) is incorporated (patient/women participation plan). These are closely involved during the set-up of the proposal, the conduction of the research, and the sharing of the (lay)results with the target group.   
• Explanation on how the Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications (ELSI) are addressed, such as ensuring informed consent, data privacy compliance (e.g., GDPR), minimizing societal risks, and promoting inclusivity and fairness in both execution and outcomes?
• An (early) Health Technology Assessment (HTA) must be included as part of the application
• Detailed development plan, including the consequences for women/patient outcomes and health care costs after potential implementation.
• In-kind or matching contributions: If possible, list any in-kind or matching contributions from the institution, local government, or other partners to show additional financial support.

Timeline

Indicative budget and duration

A total of 2-4 million is available, which will be distributed across both funding types: research and infrastructure.

Submitting procedure

Please submit your project proposal through our KWF Grant Management System.