We’re Breast Cancer Now, the charity that’s steered by world-class research and powered by life-changing care.

Our Breast Cancer Voices bring the voice of people affected by breast cancer into the heart of research by participating in research studies and taking part in Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) opportunities.

Members of the public getting involved in research

 

Who are Breast Cancer Voices?

The community of over 1,000 members is made up of people whose lives have been changed by breast cancer, who want to use their experiences to make a difference for others.

The community includes:

  • Current and former breast cancer patients
  • People living with secondary breast cancer
  • People who have cared for someone with or lost someone to breast cancer
  • Those who have engaged with family history services

How can they help?

We post approved research studies and PPI opportunities on our Voices research studies noticeboard – then we email Voices on the fourth Tuesday of every month with what’s new.

Occasionally, we may be able to identify specific individuals or groups to approach more directly – for example, if you need a patient expert speaker.

Where do I start?

Read our Voices engagement guidance and terms for more information about:

  • What we can and can't help with
  • The different ways we can contact the right people for you
  • Our deadlines and lead times
  • The documents you'll need to provide
  • What we expect from you

Then simply complete our request form with your details, copy and documents – we usually need around three weeks’ notice ahead of the bulletin mailout date.

Email us at voices@breastcancernow.org if you need help with the form or to discuss your requirements.

Other sources of support

We’re unable to offer advice or support with PPI beyond advertising, but you may find the following sources useful:

UK Standards for Public Involvement in Research
NIHR Public Co-applicants in Research - guidance on roles and responsibilities
Payment guidance for researchers and professionals - payment and recognition for involvement
Cancer Research UK Patient involvement toolkit for researchers

 

‘Working with Breast Cancer Now has not only provided high quality, accessible PPI, but also enriched my experience as a health care professional and researcher, creating new opportunities to work with our stakeholders, promote my profession, and interact with patient experience outside of my routine clinical practice.’ – Sairanne Wickers, Consultant Breast Radiographer at UCLH