Preventative Research Group Looking for Volunteers
A medical research group is seeking volunteers this autumn from across the UK for a health study that looks to detect diseases earlier.
Our Future Health is looking to recruit five million people to take part in what will be the UK’s largest-ever research programme. All UK residents aged over 18 are eligible to take part.
The aim of the research is to develop new preventative measures and to accurately predict those who are at higher risk of diseases and illnesses such as dementia, cancer, diabetes, strokes and heart disease.
The test will screen health data and blood samples from participants. Those who sign up will be given the option of feedback on their own health including their risk of common diseases, as well as cholesterol and blood pressure results.
Chief medical officer of Our Future Health, DR Raghib Ali OBE, said: “Millions of people spend many years of their life in poor health and too often we are only able to treat diseases when our patients start showing symptoms.
“Volunteering to join Our Future Health is an opportunity to change that. With the help of up to five million, we’ll be able to dramatically improve our understanding of how to detect and prevent diseases so in the future everyone can live in good health for longer.”
Over three million letters will be sent out over the next few weeks to encourage members of the public to sign up for the scheme.
The research group is a joint partnership between private and public organisations including the NHS.
A recent survey carried out by Kantar Public earlier this year found that 78% of people thought that taking part in the programme could lead to better detection and prevention of disease.
