1 minute read
Our Commitment To Patient Involvement
Breakthrough Cancer Research is committed to incorporating the patient voice at the centre of our research activities. The goal of Public Patient Involvement (PPI) is to improve the quality, relevance and appropriateness of research and to ensure that it meets the needs and expectations of those affected by cancer to the greatest extent possible. In cancer research, the aim of PPI cancer research is done with people with cancer, not to them.”2
Our PPI panel take on many roles in the Breakthrough organisation as a whole, as well as within the research department. This panel are involved in all our research activities, from raising awareness of cancer symptoms, treatment and research advances to being cocreators of our research strategy and priorities. They help researchers, and us as funders, to understand the unmet needs of people with cancer and survivors. They are active in reviewing research applications; and disseminating research findings. PPI representatives have become collaborators on research applications and active participants on grant management committees, with some going on to apply for their own research funding.
PPI creates dialogue between researchers, funding bodies and patients. I think that input from patients and others affected by cancer can help funding bodies and researchers in terms of their own insights or connection with their research - it takes the research from the theoretical to the practical
My involvement in the Breakthrough PPI panel has introduced me to a whole new cohort of people - fellow cancer survivors with extraordinary tales to tell, and passionate research scientists who are devoting their lives to helping people like me. I have learned about the huge amount of research work which is going on to benefit cancer patients.
Helen McGonagle, PPI Panellist
Nuala Ní Bhriain, PPI Panellist
