Healthcare professionals conference 2026

Register at the venue before beginning your day. Breakfast and refreshments will be provided. 

Join Novartis’s breakfast session on how to navigate risk of recurrence conversations in a way that meets patients where they are. There’s no single script that works for everyone. So, Rachel and Dr Kuriakose will explore how to tailor discussions to individual needs. And ensure consistent messaging across the MDT.

They’ll look at how strong, reliable data can underpin clearer, more confident conversations. And how simple, empathetic language can make even complex information feel understandable and supportive. The result: more informed patients, more aligned teams, and more meaningful communication throughout the entire care journey.

Speakers:

• Rachel Clifton, Macmillan breast oncology nurse specialist, Ipswich Hospital 
• Dr. Vipin Kuriakose, consultant clinical oncologist, The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust

Our flagship sponsor, Novartis, has sponsored the event however has had no influence over the agenda except this sponsored session. 

Join us for a welcome from Breast Cancer Now's chief support officer, Helen Dickens, to set you up for an exciting day of learning, sharing and networking. 

Hear from Jo and Naman on the latest clinical updates in radiotherapy and insights into the patient journey. And gain insights on reducing inequalities, managing side effects and useful resources to help you in practice. 

Speakers:

• Jo McNamara, therapeutic radiographer and co-host of the podcast Rad Chat
• Naman Julka-Anderson, therapeutic radiographer and co-host of the podcast Rad Chat

Learn more about immunotherapy including its origins, how to set expectations, managing side effects and what’s on the horizon. Expect to come away equipped with new knowledge to apply in practice.   

Speakers:

• Professor Anna Olsson-Brown, professor of cancer clinical trials and consultant medical oncologist, University College Cork and University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust

Have a refreshment, network with colleagues and visit our exhibition stands. 

A multidisciplinary approach supports breast cancer patients to live well. Hear from experts on the importance of lifestyle and physical activity. Explore nutrition including messaging on diet and menopausal symptom management. And learn more about the physical activity such as managing lymphoedema, the physiological impact of movement and addressing fear. And gain insights on how lifestyle behaviour changes can support breast cancer patients, including tips you can apply in your role. 

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

Access to excellent treatment and care is key for patients. In this session, hear about Tracey’s work on improving access to breast reconstruction as a part of Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT). Learn from Nicola about the impact of an MDT clinic pilot for support in the management of endocrine therapy side effects, including the benefits for patients. 

Speakers:

• Tracey Irvine, consultant oncoplastic breast surgeon and breast surgery lead, Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT)
• Nicola Stubbs, senior Macmillan clinical nurse specialist, The Nightingale Centre, Manchester Foundation Trust

Enjoy lunch, connect with peers and visit our exhibition stands.

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

The NHS is shifting towards more community-based care and collaborations with external organisations are a fantastic example. Get inspired by Breast Cancer Now and Little Lifts as they discuss their work with the NHS. Michaela will explore Here For You, Breast Cancer Now’s personalised referral route to support services. And Oa will cover the uplifting work Little Lifts do to help you support your patients. Maxine will discuss Diagnosis Connect, an innovation set to connect those with long-term conditions and charities, championing these valuable partnerships. 

Speakers:

• Michaela Rossman, senior manager, personalised referrals, Breast Cancer Now
• Oa Hackett, founder, Little Lifts
• Maxine McCoy, associate director, services, Breast Cancer Now

Include: Reaching diverse communities

Inequality continues to drive poorer health outcomes. And this must change. Join this session to explore real world case studies showcasing work that is actively addressing inequities across the breast cancer pathway. You’ll gain insight into the barriers to screening in areas with high ethnic diversity, including the role of pain and other under recognised factors. We’ll examine the tangible impact of health inequalities on people from diverse ethnic background. And discuss why inclusive representation — such as diverse skin tone breast prostheses — is essential for equitable care. We’ll also highlight the experiences of disadvantaged populations within breast screening, including Roma, Gypsy, and Traveller communities, offering a deeper understanding of the challenges they face. And what meaningful support looks like. 

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

Breast cancer treatment and diagnosis have a huge impact on patients and your support is vital. Gain insights on fear of recurrence, including the theory behind it and practical advice to employ with your patients. Learn how to approach menopausal symptoms in those living with or beyond breast cancer, with a focus on sex and intimacy. You’ll come away with more confidence on how to explore this issue with patients.  

Speakers:

• Professor Susanne Cruickshank, strategic lead for applied health research, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust
• Dr Charlotte Gooding, menopause specialist and GP, Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Menopause Care Ltd

Inspire: Navigating difficult conversations with patients 

This session explores what makes conversations difficult for you as healthcare professionals. There’ll be a live role-play demonstration with a professional actor around treatment delays, uncertainty, strong emotions, and difficult questions. And you will be invited to pause, reflect and contribute to how the conversation unfolds. Blending communication skills with emotional intelligence, the focus is on understanding yourself. Your instincts. Your agenda. Your purpose. And how this shapes the way you respond in the moment. You will explore how greater self-awareness can create more choice and more compassionate and effective communication when there is no easy solution.

• Olivia Corrie, founder and CEO, FrontLine Communication

Grab a refreshment and take a break before our closing sessions.

Helen will be joined by writer, podcaster and author of the novel Single Bald Female, Laura Price, for a fireside chat. Laura, who is living with metastatic breast cancer, will reflect on her experiences and the importance of healthcare professionals in this inspiring session. 

Speakers: 

• Laura Price, writer and podcaster 
• Helen Dickens, chief support officer, Breast Cancer Now

Reflect on an inspirational day of learning. 

All members of Breast Cancer Now’s healthcare professionals hub.

To become a member, sign up for the healthcare professionals hub.

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.  

You can pay online via bank card when you sign up.

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.

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. 

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. 

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.