Healthcare professionals conference 2026
Hear about exciting clinical developments. Explore hot topics like access to care. And network with peers from across the UK.
Rate: £50
Venue: The Birmingham Rep Theatre and the Library of Birmingham, Centenary Square, Birmingham, B1 2EP
Time: 9am - 4.30pm
What to expect
Innovate, inspire, include
Our one-day conference is your opportunity to step back and explore topics and themes impacting breast cancer care with your peers. You'll have the chance to:
- Hear from expert speakers
- Take away best practice
- Gain insights on key topics
- Network with colleagues from across the UK
In the morning, we’ll have exciting clinical updates and plenary sessions on hot topics in breast cancer treatment and care. In the afternoon, you can take part in interactive breakout sessions covering best practice examples, information on support for your patients, and educational content you can apply in your role.
This is also our chance to thank and support you, our healthcare professionals hub members, in a space designed to foster innovation, inspiration and inclusion.
Find out more about the agenda below. We'll add more to the webpage as we continue to develop the programme. All sessions will provide the chance to ask questions, share reflections and discuss with your peers.
Agenda
8.45-9.30: Registration
Register at the venue before beginning your day. Breakfast and refreshments will be provided.
9.00-9.30: Sponsored breakfast session
Details to be confirmed.
9.30-9.40: Welcome
Join us for a welcome from Breast Cancer Now to set you up for an exciting day of learning, sharing and networking.
9.40-10.05: Clinical update in radiotherapy
Hear from Jo and Naman on the latest clinical updates in radiotherapy as well as important issues like reducing inequalities and managing side effects.
Speakers:
- Jo McNamara, therapeutic radiographers and co-host of the podcast Rad Chat
- Naman Julka-Anderson, therapeutic radiographers and co-host of the podcast Rad Chat
10.05-10.30: Clinical update in immunotherapy
Learn about the most recent developments in immunotherapy as well as side effect management and future innovations.
Speakers:
- Dr Anna Olsson-Brown, medical oncology consultant
10.30-11.00: Break and exhibition
Have a refreshment, network with colleagues and visit our exhibition stands.
11.00-11.45: Physical activity and lifestyle
Join our panellists in this session addressing physical activity and lifestyle and its importance in breast cancer treatment and care. This will provide an opportunity to hear multi-disciplinary perspectives spanning surgery, nutrition and physiotherapy.
Speakers:
- Blossom Lake, breast surgical specialist, The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust
- Rachel White, registered dietician, Rachel White Nutrition
- Kat Tunnicliffe, clinical specialist oncology and musculoskeletal physiotherapist, Perci Health
11.45-12.30: Access to care
Explore access to care for breast cancer patients, including access to breast reconstruction and a case study on the impact of an MDT clinic for side effect management after endocrine treatment.
Speakers:
- Tracey Irvine, breast surgery clinical lead, NHS England
- Nicola Stubbs, senior Macmillan clinical nurse specialist, The Nightingale Centre, Manchester Foundation Trust
12.30-13.30: Lunch and exhibition
Enjoy lunch, connect with peers and visit our exhibition stands.
13.30-15.30: Breakout sessions
Your opportunity to participate in engaging and interactive sessions on hot topics. You will have the chance to attend two of the following sessions:
Innovate: Collaborations between the NHS and external organisations
Get inspired by collaborations between external organisations and the NHS. This will include a presentation from our Here For You team on their work with NHS trusts across England to improve patient access to support services. Little Lifts will also join us to explore their work and partnership with NHS trusts. You'll be able to take away ideas and insights from this innovative work.
Speakers:
- Michaela Rossman, senior manager, personalised referrals, Breast Cancer Now
- Oa Hackett, founder, Little Lifts
Include: Reaching diverse communities
Dive into the importance of reaching diverse communities through case studies addressing key issues and inequities in breast cancer treatment and care. You will hear about crucial work on barriers to breast screening attendance in areas with high ethnic diversity, the tangible impact of health inequalities, the importance of breast softies in an inclusive range of skin tones and women's perceptions of screening in disadvantaged areas.
Speakers:
- Dr Judith Offman, senior lecturer for cancer prevention and early detection, Queen Mary University of London
- Sarah Adomah, lead breast clinical nurse specialist, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust
- Dr Emily Lunn, post doctoral researcher, Universities of York and Sheffield
Impact: Managing the effects of treatment and diagnosis
Learn more about the impact of treatment and diagnosis. Professor Cruickshank will explore managing fear of recurrence after treatment ends. Dr Gooding will cover menopausal symptoms and impact on sex and intimacy. You will come away with knowledge from experts on common issues that can be applied in your role.
Speakers:
- Professor Susanne Cruickshank, strategic lead for applied health research, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust
- Dr Charlotte Gooding, associate, Menopause Care
Inspire: Navigating difficult conversations with patients
Gain insights on navigating difficult conversations with patients in this workshop style session with leading healthcare professional communication training organisation, FrontLine Communication. You will learn insightful tips and see them in practice in this interactive session.
- Olivia Corrie, Founder and CEO, FrontLine Communication
15.30-15.45: Break
Grab a refreshment and take a break before our closing sessions.
15.45-16.20: Inspirational session
Details to be confirmed.
16.20-16.30: Close
Reflect on an inspirational day of learning.
Join the hub
To register for the conference, you'll need to be a member of our healthcare professionals hub. Any healthcare professional in clinical practice in the UK can join.
FAQs
Who is eligible to take part in the conference?
All members of Breast Cancer Now’s healthcare professionals hub.
How do we sign up for the Breast Cancer Now healthcare professionals hub?
To become a member, sign up for the healthcare professionals hub.
Why is there a registration fee?
The cost of registration is subsidised by our generous sponsors. The registration fee allows us to cover the remaining expenses and ensure a wonderful conference experience for you.
How can I pay?
You can pay online via bank card when you sign up.
When do I need to arrive?
The one-day conference runs from 9am to 4.30pm. Breakfast starts at 9am. If you have a long journey, feel free to arrive later or leave early.
What is the nearest train station to the venue?
Birmingham New Street is a 10-minute walk from the venue. Birmingham Snow Hill is a 12-minute walk away and Birmingham Moor Street is a 20-minute walk away.
Is food provided?
We'll provide breakfast and lunch during the conference and refreshments will be available throughout the day. Make sure to include any allergies or dietary requirements when you register so we can cater to your needs.
Is the venue accessible?
The venue is fully accessible. You can find more details on accessibility at the Rep Theatre and the Library via their website. If you have any specific questions, we're happy to help - please contact us.
Get in touch
If you have any questions about the Healthcare professionals conference 2026, our team is here to help.
Headline sponsor
Novartis has sponsored this meeting but has had no influence over the content of the agenda, with the exception of their sponsored breakfast session.
Sponsors
Exact Sciences, MSD and Pfizer have sponsored this meeting but have had no influence over the content of agenda.