Our experiences as patient advocates lead us to believe that the UK needs an independent cancer patients' group, whose strategy is led by patients.

We are a patient advocate group independent of established UK cancer charities because we regard this as the most effective way we can bring our experience as patients and as trained advocates to influence the future of breast cancer research and evidence-based healthcare.  We aim to work within the NCRI framework to enable proper monitoring and review of our activity and value.

At the moment, we are restricting ourselves to breast cancer.  The core members of our group are located throughout the UK and we have a good mix of business, healthcare and scientific knowledge and experience. We also have a strong network of individuals and groups of breast cancer patients to help us to determine the research questions that breast cancer patients would like answered and to raise the profile of clinical trials among the patient community.  

Some of us have attended Project Lead training, run by the US National Breast Cancer Coalition and Project Lead International Clinical Trials in December 2008. At present we have 18 members including 6 “virtual” members who will contribute by e-mail or telephone. We have the full support of the professional members of the NCRI Breast Clinical Study Group (and from many research centres) with a keen interest in teaching us at study days on the science/biology/genetics of breast cancer and the development of new treatments.

We are informed and committed patient advocates and we can play an increasingly effective role in educating both potential patients and professional staff as to the benefits of clinical trials and thus increase accrual as well as improve outcomes for future patients. 

If you would like to contact us please email us