A study to look into the prevention of breast cancer recurrence is looking for 150 volunteers aged between 48 and 78.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and the Women's Intervention Nutrition Study, based at the Royal Hampshire County Hospital, Winchester, is looking at the positive effects a healthy diet can have on breast cancer sufferers.

The WIN study was launched in the United States and is the only one of its kind in the UK. It is supported by the World Cancer Research Fund.

Barbara Parry, senior research dietician for the WIN study, explained: "Research has shown that a healthy diet and lifestyle can help to reduce the risk of breast cancer.

"We aim to assess if it is feasible for post-menopausal women, who have been treated for breast cancer, to make changes to their diet and maintain these changes for two years.

"The next step will then examine whether a healthy diet improves prognosis".

Volunteers taking part in the study will follow dietary advice given to them by professional dieticians.

Meetings take place throughout the area to offer monitoring, guidance and support and provide the volunteers with the opportunity to meet women in a similar situation to themselves.

For further information about the research, ring the WINS team on 01962-825080.