Professor Katherine Brain
(she/her)

Personal Chair

I am a Professor of Health Psychology with an established track record and international reputation in leading research into behavioural aspects of cancer control. My research expertise involves understanding the determinants of cancer symptom help-seeking behaviour and participation in cancer screening including low dose CT lung screening, and developing and evaluating complex behavioural interventions with a focus on reducing inequalities in cancer outcomes. I lead a programme of research in cancer screening, prevention and early diagnosis within the Division of Population Medicine (School of Medicine) and am Associate Director of the College of Biomedical and Life Sciences Population Health Research Theme. I am UK Chair of the US/UK Multi-Cancer Early Detection Consortium Health Equity workgroup, expert member of the European Code Against Cancer Working Group on Communication and Health Literacy, and advisor to NHS England on the Targeted Lung Health Check programme.

Date
Type

2009

Phelps, C., Bennett, P., Jones, H., Hood, K., Brain, K. E. and Murray, A. 2009. The development of a cancer genetic-specific measure of coping: the GRACE. Psycho-Oncology 19(8), pp. 847-854. (10.1002/pon.1629)

2008

Brain, K. E., Henderson, B., Tyndel, S., Bankhead, C., Watson, E., Clements, A. and Austoker, J. 2008. Predictors of cancer worry following mammography in younger women on a family history breast screening programme [Abstract]. Psychology and Health 23(S1), pp. 71. (10.1080/08870440802299543)
Henderson, B. J., Tyndel, S., Brain, K. E., Clements, A., Bankhead, C., Austoker, J. and Watson, E. 2008. Factors associated with breast cancer-specific distress in younger women participating in a family history mammography screening programme. Psycho-Oncology 17(1), pp. 74-82. (10.1002/pon.1201)
Brain, K. E., Henderson, B. J., Tyndel, S., Bankhead, C., Watson, E., Clements, A. and Austoker, J. 2008. Predictors of breast cancer-related distress following mammography screening in younger women on a family history breast screening programme. Psycho-Oncology 17(12), pp. 1180-1188. (10.1002/pon.1355)
Bennett, P. D. et al. 2008. Psychological factors associated with emotional responses to receiving genetic risk information. Journal of Genetic Counseling 17(3), pp. 234-241. (10.1007/s10897-007-9136-x)
Tyndel, S., Clements, A., Bankhead, C., Henderson, B. J., Brain, K. E., Watson, E. and Austoker, J. 2008. Mammographic screening for young women with a family history of breast cancer: knowledge and views of those at risk. British Journal of Cancer 99(7), pp. 1007-1012. (10.1038/sj.bjc.6604672)
Phelps, C., Bennett, P. D. and Brain, K. E. 2008. Understanding emotional responses to breast/ovarian cancer genetic risk assessment: An applied test of a cognitive theory of emotion. Psychology, Health & Medicine 13(5), pp. 545-558. (10.1080/13548500701767346)
Clements, A., Henderson, B. J., Tyndel, S., Evans, G., Brain, K. E., Austoker, J. and Watson, E. 2008. Diagnosed with breast cancer while on a family history screening programme: an exploratory qualitative study. European Journal of Cancer Care 17(3), pp. 245-252. (10.1111/j.1365-2354.2007.00837.x)

2007

Bennett, P., Wilkinson, C. E., Turner, J., Griffith, G., France, B., Brain, K. E. and Gray, J. 2007. The impact of breast cancer genetic risk assessment on intentions to perform cancer surveillance behaviors. Journal of Genetic Counselling 16(5), pp. 617-623. (10.1007/s10897-007-9100-9)
Tyndel, S., Austoker, J., Henderson, B. J., Brain, K. E., Bankhead, C., Clements, A. and Watson, E. K. 2007. What is the psychological Impact of mammographic screening on younger women with a family history of breast cancer? Findings from a prospective cohort study by the PIMMS Management Group. Journal of Clinical Oncology 25(25), pp. 3823-3830. (10.1200/JCO.2007.11.0437)
Norman, P. and Brain, K. E. 2007. Does dispositional optimism predict psychological responses to counseling for familial breast cancer?. Journal of Psychosomatic Research 63(3), pp. 247-254. (10.1016/j.jpsychores.2007.03.011)
Phelps, C., Wood, F. C., Bennett, P., Brain, K. E. and Gray, J. 2007. Knowledge and expectations of women undergoing cancer genetic risk assessment: a qualitative analysis of free-text questionnaire comments. Journal of Genetic Counselling 16(4), pp. 505-514. (10.1007/s10897-007-9086-3)
Bennett, P. D., Phelps, C., Brain, K. E., Hood, K. and Gray, J. 2007. A randomised controlled trial of a brief self-help coping intervention designed to reduce distress when awaiting genetic risk information. Journal of psychosomatic research 63(1), pp. 59-64. (10.1016/j.jpsychores.2007.01.016)
Iredale, R., Williams, B., Brain, K. E., France, E. and Gray, J. 2007. The information needs of men with breast cancer. British Journal of Nursing 16(9), pp. 540-544. (10.12968/bjon.2007.16.9.23432)

2006

Iredale, R., Brain, K. E., Williams, B., France, E. and Gray, J. 2006. The experiences of men with breast cancer in the United Kingdom. European Journal of Cancer 42(3), pp. 334-341. (10.1016/j.ejca.2005.09.027)
Brain, K. E., Williams, B., Iredale, R., France, E. and Gray, J. 2006. Psychological distress in men with breast cancer. Journal of Clinical Oncology 24(1), pp. 95-101. (10.1200/JCO.2006.10.064)

2005

Brain, K. E. et al. 2005. An exploratory comparison of genetic counselling protocols for HNPCC predictive testing. Clinical Genetics 68(3), pp. 255-261. (10.1111/j.1399-0004.2005.00491.x)
Norman, P. and Brain, K. E. 2005. An application of an extended health belief model to the prediction of breast self-examination among women with a family history of breast cancer. British Journal of Health Psychology 10(1), pp. 1-16. (10.1348/135910704X24752)

2004

Brain, K. E., Gravell, C., France, E., Fiander, A. and Gray, J. 2004. An exploratory qualitative study of women's perceptions of risk management options for familial ovarian cancer: implications for informed decision making. Gynecologic Oncology 92(3), pp. 905-913. (10.1016/j.ygyno.2003.12.019)
Cohen, D. A., Barton, G., Gray, J. and Brain, K. E. 2004. Health economics and genetic service development: a familial cancer genetic example. Familial Cancer -Dordrecht- 3(1), pp. 61-67. (10.1023/b:fame.0000026812.87551.bf)

2003

Iredale, R., Williams, B., Brain, K. E. and France, E. 2003. Breast cancer in men: group is exploring issues for men with breast cancer across the United Kingdom [Letter]. British Medical Journal 327(7420), pp. 930-931. (10.1136/bmj.327.7420.930-d)
Brain, K. E., Soldan, J., Sampson, J. R. and Gray, J. 2003. Genetic counselling protocols for hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer: a survey of UK regional genetics centres.. Clinical Genetics 63(3), pp. 198-204. (10.1034/j.1399-0004.2003.00039.x)
Williams, B. G., Iredale, R., Brain, K. E., France, E., Barrett-Lee, P. and Gray, J. 2003. Experiences of men with breast cancer: an exploratory focus group study. British Journal of Cancer 89(10), pp. 1834-1836. (10.1038/sj.bjc.6601305)

2002

Brain, K. E., Norman, P., Gray, J., Rogers, C., Mansel, R. E. and Harper, P. 2002. A randomized trial of specialist genetic assessment: psychological impact on women at different levels of familial breast cancer risk. British Journal of Cancer 86(2), pp. 233-238. (10.1038/sj.bjc.6600051)

2000

Brain, K. E. et al. 2000. Randomized trial of a specialist genetic assessment service for familial breast cancer. Journal of the National Cancer Institute 92(16), pp. 1345-1351. (10.1093/jnci/92.16.1345)
Gray, J., Brain, K. E., Iredale, R., Alderman, J., France, E. and Hughes, H. 2000. A pilot study of telegenetics [Letter]. Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare 6(4), pp. 245-247. (10.1258/1357633001935329)
Gray, J. et al. 2000. A model protocol evaluating the introduction of genetic assessment for women with a family history of breast cancer. Journal of Medical Genetics 37(3), pp. 192-196. (10.1136/jmg.37.3.192)
Brain, K. E. et al. 2000. Why do women attend familial breast cancer clinics?. Journal of Medical Genetics 37(3), pp. 197-202. (10.1136/jmg.37.3.197)

1999

France, L. et al. 1999. Genetic testing considerations in breast cancer patients. Journal of Genetic Counselling 8(5), pp. 289-299. (10.1023/A:1022982232213)
Brain, K. E. et al. 1999. Provision of specialist genetic services for familial breast cancer in Wales: findings from the TRACE project. Journal of Medical Genetics 36(supp1), pp. S65-S65.
Brain, K. E., Norman, P., Gray, J. and Mansel, R. E. 1999. Anxiety and adherence to breast self-examination in women with a family history of breast cancer. Psychosomatic Medicine 61(2), pp. 181-187.

My main research interests include:

Psychosocial aspects of cancer screening, prevention and early symptom detection – identifying barriers to participation and evaluating the impact of screening, including lung and colorectal.
Reducing inequalities in cancer – understanding the influence of socioeconomic and other inequalities on cancer awareness and behaviour.
Behaviour change and cancer – developing, testing and implementing novel person-centred interventions to encourage earlier symptom presentation and diagnosis, and to support engagement with screening and prevention (including smoking cessation and other risk-reducing behaviours).

I lead a consortium of researchers evaluating the impact of COVID-19 on public awareness and behaviour in relation to cancer symptom presentation, screening and prevention. This large study is funded by the ESRC through UK Research and Innovation's rapid response to COVID-19. The findings are being used to develop clear public health messages encouraging people to act on early signs and symptoms of cancer, to consider taking part in cancer screening and to engage in healthy behaviours. More information can be found at https://cabs-study.yolasite.com

Current/recent grants include:

COVID-19 Cancer Attitudes and Behaviours Study, UK Research and Innovation £689,000 (CI, 2020-2022).
Understanding barriers and enablers to use of primary care remote consulting for suspected cancer symptoms among vulnerable populations. North West Cancer Research and Tenovus Cancer Care joint PhD studentship, £75,000 (Co-supervisor, 2022-2025).
Primary and Emergency Care Research Centre for Wales (PRIME). Health and Care Research Wales, Welsh Government £4,856,662 (Co-I 2020-2025).
Wales Cancer Research Centre. Health and Care Research Wales, Welsh Government £4,500,000 (Collaborator 2020-2025).
Targeted Intensive Community-based campaign To Optimise Cancer awareness (TIC TOC): feasibility of a symptom awareness campaign to support the Multidisciplinary/Rapid Diagnostic Centre referral pathway in a socioeconomically deprived area. Cancer Research Wales, £391,331 (Co-PI, 2020-2023).
Supporting implementation of NHS England’s Lung Health Check pilot programme. Cancer Research UK Early Diagnosis Advisory Committee, £51,422.68 (Co-I 2020).
Factors influencing engagement with emerging technology in colorectal cancer screening and prevention. Tenovus Cancer Care PhD Studentship, £60,000 (Co-supervisor 2019-2022).
The effect of adding a personalised smoking cessation intervention to a lung cancer screening programme. Yorkshire Cancer Research, £913,432 (Co-I 2018-2022).
Understanding patient delay factors in Vietnam. National Institute for Health, $35,000 Cardiff (Collaborator 2018-2021).
Readiness of lung cancer screening services to deliver concurrent smoking cessation treatment: Guideline and implementation toolkit development. CRUK Tobacco Advisory Group, £73,518 (Collaborator 2019-2020).
Understanding experience, completion and outcomes of colorectal cancer screening among participants with multi-morbidity. Health and Care Research Wales Fellowship, £388,000 (Dr Stephanie Smits, lead mentor, 2018-2022).
Tobacco use and pathways into regular smoking among young adults. Cancer Research UK Population Research Committee Fellowship, £174,559 (Dr Ria Poole, lead mentor, 2017-2020).
Engaging high risk, harder to reach groups in lung cancer screening and prevention. School of Medicine PhD studentship, £76,000 (lead supervisor 2017-2020).
ABACus randomised controlled trial of the health check intervention to improve cancer symptom awareness and help seeking. Yorkshire Cancer Research, £486,000 (PI 2017-2020).
Pharmacy referral for lung symptoms. RfPPB, £299,000 (Co-I 2017-2020).

I am responsible for delivering MBBCh undergraduate medical education including:

Case Based Learning
Personal Tutoring
Intercalated student project supervision and assessment
Student Selected Component projects
Evidence-Based Medicine
Research in Practice

Employment history:

Professor, Cardiff University (2018-)
Reader, Cardiff University (2014-2018)
Senior Lecturer, Cardiff University (2009-2014)
Lecturer in Cancer Genetics Health Services Research, Cardiff University (2004-2009)
Wellcome Trust Health Services Research Fellow, UWCM (1999-2004)
Post-doctoral Research Associate, University of Wales College of Medicine (1996-1999)

Qualifications:

Chartered Health Psychologist and registered practitioner (2007); Certificate in Economic Evaluation in Healthcare (2002); PhD Psychology (1996); BA Psychology and Education (1st, 1992).

Honours and awards

Moondance Cancer Innovation Award finalist (Public Awareness and Engagement), 2022
Nominated for Outstanding Contribution to Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity, School of Medicine, 2020
Chwarae Teg’s Wonderful Welsh Woman of the Year Award (People’s Choice category) finalist, 2018
School of Medicine Dean of Research Excellence STAR Award, 2017
School of Medicine Research team award for PRIME, 2017
Health and Care Awards Research Impact Award finalist, 2017
Cardiff University Research Leave Scheme, 2015-2016

Professional memberships

Full member of the British Psychological Society
Chartered Health Psychologist and registered practitioner
Qualification in Health Psychology (QHP) Stage II registered supervisor

Committees and reviewing

UK Deputy Chair of the Multi-Cancer Early Detection Consortium Health Equity workgroup (2022-ongoing)
Advisor to NHS England Improvement's evaluation of the Targeted Lung Health Checks (2022-ongoing)
International Cancer Benchmarking Partnership Inequalities Network member (2022-ongoing)
Professorial member of Cardiff University Senate (2021-ongoing)
Cancer Research Strategy for Wales Senior Leadership Group (2021-ongoing)
Associate Director of the Population Health theme, College of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Cardiff University (2020-ongoing)
Cancer Research UK Early Detection and Diagnosis Research Committee member (2020-ongoing)
Policy Research Unit Scientific Advisory Committee member (2019-)
Member of North West Cancer Research Scientific Advisory Committee (2018-2020)
Centre for Trials Research Population Health Strategic Advisory Committee member (2018-ongoing)
Lead for Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity, Division of Population Medicine (2016-2020)
Member of Breast Cancer Now Scientific Advisory Committee (2015-2018)
Regular peer review for a wide range of funding bodies (e.g. CRUK, NIHR, Yorkshire Cancer Research) and scientific journals (e.g. Thorax, British Journal of Cancer, British Medical Journal, Psycho-Oncology)
External PhD examining duties have included University of Nottingham, University of Toronto, University College London and King’s College London
Senior academic member of the Wales Cancer Network Detecting Cancer Earlier Programme Board and Cancer Research Strategy for Wales (CReST Cymru) Strategic Oversight Board

I supervise PhD students in behavioural aspects of cancer screening, prevention and early diagnosis. Current and recent PhD students include:

Stefanie Disbeschl: Understanding barriers and enablers to use of primary care remote consulting for suspected cancer symptoms among vulnerable populations. Joint funded by North West Cancer Research and Tenovus Cancer Care.
Omar Ali: Novel technologies for bowel cancer screening. Funded by Tenovus Cancer Care.
Francesa Mazzaschi: What are the cognitive deficits observed in adults with brain cancer receiving radiotherapy or combined chemo-radiotherapy? Funded by Marie Curie.
Pamela Smith: Engaging high risk groups in lung cancer screening and prevention. Funded by the School of Medicine.

Contact Details

BrainKE@cardiff.ac.uk
+44 29206 87164

New campaign highlights need to seek help for ‘vague but concerning’ cancer symptoms

Professor Katherine Brain
(she/her)

2025

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