The Cambridge Cohort
Research type
Research Database
IRAS ID
258761
Contact name
Fiona J Gilbert
Contact email
Research summary
The Cambridge Cohort - a breast screening population mammography database.
REC name
London - South East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
20/LO/0104
Date of REC Opinion
3 Apr 2020
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion
Data collection arrangements
We plan to build a mammographic image research database that is representative of the population, consisting of approximately 80,000 women’s mammograms performed as part of the Cambridge Breast Screening Programme from 2011 to 2022. This database will be an essential resource for the testing of algorithms as well as the creation and development of new algorithms.
All data will be collected from pre-existing records at Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and the National Health Service Breast Screening Programme. The database will contain both mammographic images and the clinical data that corresponds to the image (e.g. if a cancer is present, which side is the cancer and what is the type of cancer present). Identifiable data will be stored separately and will remain at Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust under information governance procedures with the Data Controller, who is also part of the direct care team. Only de-identified data will be used for research and will be stored at the University of Cambridge.
Research programme
Advancements in computer algorithms to perform tasks at the same level or better than humans could provide an alternative approach to reading mammograms, assisting readers with the high volume of scans as well as improving cancer detection and predicting a patient’s overall breast cancer risk. The studies conducted using the database will benchmark the performance of computer algorithms for comparison between similar algorithms. Ensure only algorithms that perform highly proceed to further expensive testing. As well as create and develop new algorithms that can help improve cancer detection. The database will be stored, and a Database Access Committee will be formed at the University of Cambridge / Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Academic institutions (e.g. Universities) and commercial companies will apply to the Database Access Committee for use of the database. Approved access will allow primarily for algorithms to be tested, developed and created at University of Cambridge / Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust with research staff. In certain strictly controlled circumstances academic institutions and commercial companies might be given access to part of the de-identified database for specific agreed research purposes. Research contracts will be put in place with all external organisations seeking use of the database.
Research database title
The Cambridge Cohort - a breast screening population mammography database.
Establishment organisation
University of Cambridge
Establishment organisation address
The Old Schools
Trinity Lane
Cambridge
CB2 1TN