Valerie Beral

Valerie Beral (born 7 March 1946) is an epidemiologist and academic, who is best known for her work on the effects of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and the epidemiology of breast cancer. She is currently the Director of the Cancer Epidemiology Unit at the University of Oxford.

Early life and education

Beral was born in Sydney, Australia. She completed her MBBS degree at the University of Sydney in 1969. She then moved to the United Kingdom where she completed her PhD in Epidemiology at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine in 1974.

Career

Beral has had a distinguished career in the field of epidemiology. She has been the Director of the Cancer Epidemiology Unit at the University of Oxford since 1989. Her research has focused on the effects of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and the epidemiology of breast cancer. She has also conducted significant research on the effects of oral contraceptives and cervical cancer.

Research

Beral's research has had a significant impact on our understanding of breast cancer and hormone replacement therapy. Her work has shown that the use of HRT increases the risk of breast cancer, and this has led to changes in the prescribing practices of HRT. She has also conducted research on the effects of oral contraceptives on cervical cancer, and her findings have contributed to the development of cervical screening programs.

Awards and honours

Beral has received numerous awards and honours for her work. She was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2011 for services to science. She is also a Fellow of the Royal Society and the Academy of Medical Sciences.

External links

• Official profile at the Cancer Epidemiology Unit, University of Oxford