Dr Aisling Hegarty

Dr Aisling Hegarty has been a key member of Professor Leonie Young’s research team since 2014, helping to advance our understanding of why some women may be at increased risk of developing breast cancer.

A major focus of Aisling’s work is women who have a strong family history of breast cancer but do not carry the well-known BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations. For these women and their families, there can still be many unanswered questions about why breast cancer occurs and what their individual risk may be.

Using advanced genetic research, Aisling is helping to uncover other biological and genetic factors that could contribute to inherited breast cancer risk. Her research aims to identify new markers of risk and potential treatment targets, which could ultimately help us find better ways to identify, monitor and treat women who may be more likely to develop breast cancer.

Alongside her research, Aisling coordinates patient recruitment and translational research within the Family History Clinic, helping to connect discoveries made in the laboratory with the people who could ultimately benefit from them.

Aisling completed her PhD within the Department of Surgery and is now Accreditation Lead for the Cancer Centre.

Why This Research Matters

For families with a strong history of breast cancer but no identified BRCA mutation, there can still be many unanswered questions. Aisling’s research could help us better understand their risk, identify new ways to monitor those at increased risk and, ultimately, open the door to more personalised approaches to prevention and treatment.

By investing in research today, we can change what a breast cancer diagnosis means tomorrow. Together, we can Rewrite the Future