Pink Science Summer 2012

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PINKSCIENCE BREAST CANCER CAMPAIGN MAGAZINE / SUMMER 2012

GIRLS’ NIGHT OUT A host of stars take to the stage to raise a six-figure sum for breast cancer – thanks to Asda

WALK THE WALK How one family’s dramatic story led them to take some big steps for the charity

PAINT IT PINK

Find out how to raise funds by turning your town pink

IMPLANT Q&A What PIP implant concerns mean for breast cancer patients

PLUS

Your letters, pink pictures, wear it pink, screening FAQs, Major Series running and lots more!

My research could give women peace of mind HOW DR FIONA KENNEDY’S RESEARCH IS IMPROVING UNDERSTANDING OF DCIS

GET TO KNOW US OUR MISSION

£39 million

Everything we do at Breast Cancer Campaign is focused on one thing: beating breast cancer. The charity is bringing its unique community of supporters, scientists and those touched by breast cancer closer through a new way of thinking: Pink Science. It sums up the charity’s pioneering approach to breast cancer research, which identifies and funds the research projects with the greatest potential to save and improve lives – and, ultimately, find a cure for breast cancer.

Today, the charity supports 95 research projects, with combined funding of £16 million, in 35 centres of excellence across the UK and Ireland. All our donations come from the fundraising efforts of people like you – thank you. Over the past 16 years, the charity has awarded 367 grants with a total value of over £39 million to universities,

medical schools and research institutes. And the figures are rising.

UNDERSTANDING PINK SCIENCE We chose a jigsaw piece as our logo because it symbolises the missing piece of the puzzle that is the cure for breast cancer. Everyone can be part of Pink Science; not just the scientists whose work we fund but also our supporters and, of course, those touched by breast cancer.

12,000

women who die from breast cancer every year

80%

of women diagnosed with breast cancer today will still be DOLYH LQ ¿YH \HDUV

1 in 8

chance a woman will get breast cancer in her lifetime

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WHAT DO THE PINK ICONS MEAN? Pink Science covers every aspect of breast cancer research. Its eight themes Prevention mirror the cancer journey, making Pink Science accessible and relevant to all. Treatment

47,700

women diagnosed with breast cancer every year

years between screening invitations for women aged 50 to 70

Emotional

Education

TO FIND OUT MORE PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE BREASTCANCERCAMPAIGN.ORG OR CALL OUR SUPPORTER CARE TEAM ON 020 7749 4114

Biology

Genetics

Diagnosis

Growth

JOIN OUR FACEBOOK GROUP OR FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @BCCAMPAIGN

340

men diagnosed with breast cancer every year - it proves fatal for around 80

Figures relate to UK and are correct at time of going to press

HOW WE SPEND YOUR MONEY

TOTAL WE HAVE AWARDED IN GRANTS TO FUND BREAST CANCER RESEARCH IN THE PAST 16 YEARS

BREAST CANCER FACTS

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Inside this issue 04-09 Notebook Catch up with all the latest charity news including this year’s star-studded Girls’ Night Out and the London Marathon

10-11 Policy

WORKING HARD TO FIND A CURE Welcome to the summer issue of Pink Science. As we enter a summer of celebration in the UK, I’ve been thinking about some of the successes we have achieved as a community, working towards finding a cure for breast cancer. Such successes include the Tissue Bank, which opened to all UK and Ireland-based breast cancer scientists earlier in the year. We were delighted to welcome two of our major donors, Asda and Walk the Walk, to the Nottingham and London sites in the spring, to celebrate with us. You can read about the Walk the Walk visit on page 26. I continue to be amazed at the lengths you all go to to create hope for the future. All of the money raised will go towards funding more vital research in the year ahead. You can read about some of the pioneering research projects we’re funding on page 18 and pages 20-25. Thank you to all of you, and enjoy the summer.

Campaign works tirelessly to LPSDFW SROLF\ ± ¿QG RXW KRZ RXU work made a difference in the PIP implants controversy and the recent health bill debate

12-17 Fundraising It’s nearly time to Paint the Town Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Our supporters explain how you can join in the fun

18-19 Research Dr Ingunn Holen on her research into stopping cancer spreading through combination therapy

20-25 Making headway Dr Fiona Kennedy talks to us about her innovative research into DCIS and the confusion it causes among patients. And we answer your screening FAQs

26-31 Pink pages Read the inspiring story of our supporter Cara Bramall, spot yourself in our gallery and the best of your letters

Baroness Delyth Morgan Chief Executive, Breast Cancer Campaign

PINK SCIENCE is produced by Northstar (thisisnorthstar.com) for Breast Cancer Campaign. Project Editor Johanna Derry Deputy Project Editor Emma Barlow Designer Sam Bathe Group Project Editor Robin Swithinbank Group Art Director Matt Warner Group Production Editor Andy Tidball Production Manager Helen Craig Managing Director Mark Beazleigh. For Breast Cancer Campaign: 0HGLD 5HODWLRQV 2I¿FHU Isabel Monk

N OT E B O OK BREAST CANCER CAMPAIGN NEWS FROM AROUND THE UK

TURNING UP THE VOLUME FOR CAMPAIGN The cream of the British pop charts perform to raise vital funds for the charity

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BE PART OF THE CURE You can BE PART OF THE CURE and add to Asda’s fundraising success by buying any of the supermarket’s Tickled Pink SURGXFWV 7R ¿QG RXW PRUH YLVLW charities.asda.com/tickled-pink

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TIME TO WEAR IT PINK

This year’s wear it pink day is coming round fast. Start planning how you could help us raise vital funds for Breast Cancer Campaign on Friday 26 October

t Breast Cancer Campaign, all of our community of scientists, supporters and breast cancer survivors are superheroes, and we want you to join them by taking part in this year’s wear it pink, supported by Vanish. In 2011, thousands of you from all over the UK put on your pink at work, school or home for Breast Cancer Campaign’s wear it pink day. All the money you raised by wearing pink wigs, frilly tutus and silly pyjamas allows us to continue supporting pioneering breast cancer research in the UK and Ireland to cure breast cancer. And this year, wear it pink will be bigger than ever because Friday 26 October is

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wear it pink’s 10th anniversary. Over the last decade you’ve helped us raise a staggering £22 million so release the superhero in you in 2012 and wear it pink to help us reach £25 million!

BE PART OF THE CURE Registration is open from July. To receive your pack full of money-raising ideas and top tips, visit wearitpink.co.uk or freephone 0800 107 3104

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A fantastic old rugby tournament returns to help raise funds for Breast Cancer Campaign ngland rugby Sevens star Chris Cracknell (pictured above) will be reviving an old rugby tournament, which will see 12 teams going head-to-head in support of Breast Cancer Campaign. The 27-year-old player explains why he decided to help tackle Campaign’s cause.

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I’m doing what I can to make a difference. I’ve resurrected an old rugby event called Henley 7s, and given it a new lease of life. I’m pleased Breast Cancer Campaign LV WKH WRXUQDPHQWœV RI¿FLDO FKDULW\ ¹ LWœOO EH KHOG LQ +HQOH\ RQ Thames on Saturday, July 14.

I’d love for young aspiring players to come along. My love for the game stemmed from this tournament. It was one of the most enjoyable Sevens tournaments in the domestic calendar. There will be 12 teams playing throughout the day.

It’s important to be active. I’ve been active from a young age. As a kid I would always be playing sport and I’d have to be dragged in from outside. Sport can offer people fantastic opportunities. I’ve been lucky enough to travel the world and experience new cultures.

A good friend lost his mother to breast cancer... ... and since then I’ve wanted to do all I can to raise awareness and funds that will help Breast &DQFHU &DPSDLJQ ¿QG D FXUH for the disease.

Whatever you’re planning to do this Friday 26 October – be a superhero by wearing pink and have fun raising money for Breast Cancer Campaign!

The Henley 7s promises to be a fantastic day out for all WKH IDPLO\ ,I \RXÂśG OLNH WR FRPH DORQJ RU ÂżQG RXW PRUH DERXW the Henley 7s for Breast Cancer Campaign, please visit musicglue.com/henley7s and breastcancercampaign.org

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YOUR MARATHON EFFORTS

We say thank you to the 100 Campaign runners in this year’s London Marathon

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ell done to all of our brilliant runners who took on the Virgin London Marathon in April to BE PART OF THE CURE. This year, 100 runners pounded the streets of London to support Breast Cancer Campaign. With lots of help from volunteers, we made our three cheer points louder – and pinker – than ever before, and it was great to get plenty of waves and smiles from our dedicated runners as they passed by. After the race, we got a chance to say thank you to our runners, who were all offered refreshments

and a well-deserved massage. If you feel inspired to take part next year, why not join our team? Go online to request an application form. Or, if you’ve already entered the ballot, tell us if you’re successful – we’d love you to run for us in &DOO RU YLVLW breastcancercampaign.org/running

RUNNING WILD

The British Military Fitness Major Series – a running challenge with a difference f distance running is a bit too squeaky clean for you, why not go cross-country for Campaign in the British Military Fitness (BMF) Major Series? The aim is to cover a 5km or 10km distance as fast as you can, tackling mud, hills, water and other obstacles along the way. Breast Cancer Campaign LV WKH 0DMRU 6HULHVÂś RIÂżFLDO FKDULW\ IRU Supporter Fiona Scovell (pictured above left) was one of 50 people who took part for Campaign in March. ‘When I heard Breast Cancer Campaign KDG EHHQ FKRVHQ DV %0)ÂśV RIÂżFLDO FKDULW\ , VLJQHG up straight away. My mother passed away from EUHDVW FDQFHU LQ DQG , ZDQWHG WR GR VRPHWKLQJ challenging in her memory and to raise funds for the charity’s research. It was muddy but I’d do it again!’ ,I \RXÂśG OLNH WR ÂżQG RXW PRUH DERXW WKH WKUHH %0) Major Series events taking place in October, please visit our website.

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Q&A

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Darren Clarke, 2011 British Open golf champion, urges clubs and groups to take part in the £100 Challenge

What attracted you to the Breast Cancer Campaign £100 Challenge? &OXEV KDYH UDLVHG DOPRVW PLOOLRQ WKURXJK LW VR IDU VR LW¶V KXJHO\ SRSXODU $QG DV D PHPEHU RI D JROI FOXE , XQGHUVWDQG ZK\ ,W LV VXFK D IDQWDVWLF ZD\ IRU FOXEV DQG JURXSV WR UDLVH IXQGV DV LW OHWV WKHP VHW D WDUJHW DQG UHDFK LW KRZHYHU WKH\ ZDQW ,W LV DOVR D JRRG RSSRUWXQLW\ WR JHW ORFDO SHRSOH IULHQGV DQG IDPLO\ LQYROYHG LQ WKH FOXE ZKLFK \RX DUH SDUW RI

DARREN CLARKE Why do you support Campaign? , ORVW P\ ¿UVW ZLIH WR WKH GLVHDVH LQ VR LW¶V D FDXVH YHU\ FORVH WR P\ KHDUW , NQRZ KRZ LPSRUWDQW UHVHDUFK LV LQ ¿QGLQJ D FXUH IRU WKLV GLVHDVH

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What are your current plans? :LQQLQJ WKH 2SHQ KDV RSHQHG VR PDQ\ DYHQXHV IRU PH , KDYH D How did you get into golf? PXFK ZLGHU FKRLFH RI WRXUQDPHQWV 0\ GDG KDG DQ LPSDFW RQ P\ FKRLFH WR SOD\ LQ PHDQLQJ , FDQ SLFN ZKLFK WR SXUVXH JROI SURIHVVLRQDOO\ DQG WR RQHV WR SOD\ ,W PDNHV PDQDJLQJ WU\ LW LQ WKH ¿UVW SODFH )URP ZKHQ , P\ ZRUN DQG KRPH OLIH HDVLHU VWDUWHG SOD\LQJ JROI DW WKH DJH RI DQG ,¶P UHDOO\ ORRNLQJ IRUZDUG WR P\ SDUHQWV DOZD\V VXSSRUWHG PH VSHQGLQJ PRUH WLPH ZLWK P\ ZLIH DQG WKH\ JDYH PH WKH GULYH $OLVRQ DQG P\ WZR ER\V How did you feel when you won the British Open? ,W¶V VWLOO VLQNLQJ LQ WKDW , ZRQ ,W KDV EHHQ DQ LQFUHGLEO\ ORQJ MRXUQH\ WR JHW KHUH DQG P\ IDPLO\ KDYH EHHQ WKURXJK D ORW RYHU WKH \HDUV

Are your family all keen golfers? 0\ WZR VRQV 7\URQH DQG &RQRU EHORZ UHDOO\ HQMR\ LW 1RZ WKDW ZH¶YH PRYHG EDFN WR 1RUWKHUQ ,UHODQG IURP /RQGRQ WKH\ KDYH PRUH RSSRUWXQLWLHV WR SOD\ , JHW VR

BE PART OF THE CURE To register for the £100 Challenge, call us on 020 7749 4114 or email 100challenge@ breastcancercampaign.org. We’ll send you a fundraising pack to help you get started.

Darren and his sons with the British Open trophy

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Five frequently asked questions about PIP implants Leading from the front

PIP: A MATTER OF PRINCIPLE In the wake of the PIP scandal last year, Campaign worked to make sure breast cancer patients will be given a fair deal

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hen news broke last year of the dangers to health posed by some PIP implants, many women who had had reconstructive surgery after a mastectomy were left in an uncertain position. Campaign Chief Executive Baroness Delyth Morgan raised the issue in the House RI /RUGV LQ -DQXDU\ DVNLQJ IRU FODULÂżFDWLRQ RQ WKH SROLF\ for both private and NHS breast cancer patients. This action led to a joint statement, issued by the charity and the Department of Health: ‘Every woman who has had breast cancer and has PIP implants will be able to have them removed and replaced without charge.’ Baroness Morgan said: ‘This commitment is not only extremely welcome but will also be reassuring for women. The debate surrounding PIP implants should not lose sight of the emotional and physical impact on women with breast cancer of having reconstructive surgery for a second time.’ Have you been affected by PIP implants? Please get in touch by emailing policy@breastcancercampaign.org

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What is a PIP implant? PIP stands for Poly Implant Prosthèse, a kind of silicone breast implant, which was used to reconstruct the breasts of some women following their mastectomies.

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What’s the problem with PIP implants? In December 2011, concerns emerged about implants made by the French company Poly Implant Prosthèse, after it was revealed that they had used industrial silicone instead of medical-grade ÂżOOHUV LQ VRPH RI WKHLU implants. The health LPSOLFDWLRQV RI WKLV ÂżOOLQJ and whether PIP implants are more prone to rupture are now being investigated.

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What is a rupture and how do I know if my implant is damaged? A rupture is a split that occurs in the implant’s casing. If you have any of the following signs or symptoms, talk to your GP, and ask to be referred

to a specialist: OXPSLQHVV RU VZHOOLQJ RI the breast or lumpiness or swelling in the area around the breast FKDQJH LQ VKDSH RU GHĂ€DWLRQ RI WKH EUHDVW UHGQHVV WHQGHUQHVV RI WKH EUHDVW SDLQ RU VHQVLWLYLW\

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Can I get cancer from a ruptured PIP implant? Initially there was concern that a ruptured implant could lead to a rare form of cancer known as Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ALCL). This link has been discounted by medical experts. However, further work on the health risks from PIP implants is under way.

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What should I do if I’m worried? Find out if you have PIP implants by asking your GP to check your medical notes, or speak to your clinic if you had implants privately. If you had a PIP implant on the NHS, you should receive a letter.

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IN THE NEWS WALES LAUNCHES CANCER STRATEGY

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he Welsh Assembly Government has launched LWV ¿UVW RI¿FLDO FDQFHU VWUDWHJ\ which outlines ways to improve cancer services and outcomes in Wales by 2016. The consultation Together Against Cancer DLPV WR EULQJ FDQFHU rates down so they are in line with the lowest levels in Europe. :H¶YH ZHOFRPHG WKH SODQ EXW DUH DVNLQJ WKH :HOVK Government to improve it with clearer implementation dates DQG D VWURQJHU OHDGHUVKLS UROH LQ GULYLQJ WKH SODQ IRUZDUG :H¶UH DOVR FDPSDLJQLQJ IRU WKH SODQ WR LQFOXGH RQH DQG ¿YH \HDU EUHDVW FDQFHU VXUYLYDO GDWD DQG IRU WKH SODQ WR LQFOXGH WKH PHDVXUH RI WKH QXPEHU RI SHRSOH ZKR DUH UHIHUUHG ZLWK VXVSHFWHG FDQFHUV ZLWKLQ WKH FXUUHQW WZR ZHHN WDUJHW

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KEEPING THE LIGHT ON

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HEALTH REFORMS

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BE PART OF THE CURE If you’d like to know more about our policy and campaigning work, visit the new Policy and Public Affairs area on our website at breastcancercampaign.org/policy

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Raising breast cancer awareness

IT’S TIME TO PAINT YOUR TOWN

GATHER YOUR FRIENDS, DIG OUT YOUR PINK WIGS, AND JOIN US FOR PAINT THE TOWN PINK. YOU’LL NEVER HAVE MORE FUN RAISING FUNDS FOR BREAST CANCER CAMPAIGN

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Painting the streets of Falmouth pink with wigs, balloons and plenty of personality

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his year, towns and cities all over the UK will turn pink in support of Breast Cancer Campaign’s Paint the Town Pink initiative. It’s a fantastic way of getting everyone thinking about and supporting our life-saving breast cancer research. Three of our supporters tell us how they did it – and how you can do it too…

Do it yourself fter Sally Hicks-Wood was diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2009, she decided to do something to support breast cancer research. She has been fundraising for breast cancer charities ever since and painted her hometown, Falmouth in Cornwall, pink for the ¿UVW WLPH ODVW \HDU IRU &DPSDLJQ ‘Shortly after I discovered I had breast cancer my friends arranged a night out for me, and we all decided to wear pink wigs,’ she says. ‘The pink hair attracted loads of attention and lots of people wanted to make donations. It was this generosity that inspired me to hold a Pink Wig fundraising event for the charity.’ Since then Sally’s Pink Wig parties have grown bigger and last year she decided to make her event part of a Paint Falmouth Pink day. ‘I had a

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Sally Hicks-Wood (far left) will paint her town pink for the second time this year

committee of people who wanted to help,’ says Sally. ‘So together we encouraged schools to take part in wear it pink, asked local businesses to donate prizes for the Pink Wig party, and set up collections around the town and in local shops.’

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THE PINK HAIR ATTRACTED LOTS OF ATTENTION AND DONATIONS

This year’s Paint the Town Pink in Falmouth will take place in August, in the run-up to Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October. ‘August is the busiest time of year for Falmouth,’ says Sally. ‘And we hope that with our pink wigs and by making lots of noise we will raise lots of money for this fantastic cause.’

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Do it as a business aint the Town Pink is a fantastic way of getting your business involved in raising money and supporting Breast Cancer Campaign. On the Isle of Wight, where the whole island goes pink for a month, one business in particular has been doing its bit to make a difference.

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Hovertravel has joined in Paint the Town Pink festivities on the Isle of Wight for the last four years. Loretta Lale, Marketing Manager, says: ‘On the Isle of Wight we call the campaign the Isle of Pink, and as the fastest ferry to the Isle, we try to make sure that we give people WKHLU ÂżUVW VLJKW RI SLQN Âś ‘We also make sure that Hovertravel offers journeys to the isle are packed customers their with pink entertainment. One ÂżUVW VLJKW RI SLQN year the fabulous girl group, the Hoverettes, dressed in SLQN DQG VDQJ IRU XV Âś %XW LW GRHVQÂśW VWRS WKHUH ‘Last year the Hovertravel terminal was covered with decorations and there were collection tins scattered around so people had lots of chances WR GRQDWH Âś VD\V /RUHWWD Îź$QG a local artist painted a pink mural outside the terminal for all arriving visitors to see as they disembarked. ‘Paint the Town Pink is a fun initiative for staff to get involved with and, of course, LWÂśV DOO IRU D IDQWDVWLF FDXVH WKDW HYHU\RQH FDQ UHODWH WR Âś

PINK TIPS – IT’S ALL IN THE DETAIL

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,WÂśV PXFK HDVLHU WR 3DLQW WKH Town Pink when there are lots of people helping out, so try to get groups of friends, family and local people involved.

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Planning is kEy

Even the small things can take some time arranging, especially if you need permission to collect in town centres or supermarkets, so start planning as soon as possible.

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UsE your imagination

There are lots of ways you and your town can get in the pink, but remember some will be easier to SXOO RII WKDQ RWKHUV :RUN RXW ZKDWÂśV achievable for you and your group.

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spREAD THE WORD FAR AND WIDE

One of the best ways to make sure your pink events get the best possible response is to ask local newspapers and radio stations to promote them. In the same way, encourage local MakE it big shops and businesses to put ,WÂśV JUHDW WR KDYH ORWV RI GLIIHUHQW up posters. You can also set up an event on Facebook and use activities but think about holding a Twitter to keep everyone up to PDLQ IXQGUDLVLQJ HYHQW $ ELJ GDWH ZLWK ZKDWÂśV JRLQJ RQ $QG send-off is a great way to end your remember to take lots of photos Paint the Town Pink event and can to share after the event! help boost your fundraising total.

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very year Reading is painted pink for the entire month of October for Breast Cancer $ZDUHQHVV 0RQWK )URP FURZGV RI local football supporters to The Oracle shopping centre, everything gets swept up in pink fever 7KLV ÀXUU\ RI SLQN SURMHFWV LV GRZQ WR %UHDVW &DQFHU &DPSDLJQœV Reading volunteer group and the efforts of its wonderful members. 2QH RI WKRVH PHPEHUV LV $QQLH Gillett, who took part in Paint WKH 7RZQ 3LQN IRU WKH ¿UVW WLPH in 2010, a year after she was diagnosed with breast cancer. ,Q $QQLHœV H[SHULHQFH WXUQLQJ D whole town pink is a huge task, and requires a lot of forward planning to make sure everything goes smoothly.

‘We have so much to organise that we have to start planning about VL[ PRQWKV LQ DGYDQFH Âś VKH VD\V ‘We decide what events we want to hold and where early on, then we start contacting local businesses and applying for permits from the council WR FROOHFW GRQDWLRQV LQ WKH WRZQ Âś The group is passionate about UDLVLQJ DZDUHQHVV RI &DPSDLJQÂśV work and using Paint the Town Pink

to raise funds. Put simply, the HYHQW ZRXOGQÂśW EH SRVVLEOH ZLWKRXW WKH YROXQWHHULQJ JURXSÂśV UHOHQWOHVV commitment and hard work. Last year the group organised a whole host of fundraising events and contributed to the ÂŁ30,000 raised by the people of Reading. $QQLH VD\V Îź7KH EHVW WKLQJ DERXW the group is that everyone has their RZQ VNLOOV NQRZOHGJH DQG FRQWDFWV Âś

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Andi with her husband Tony and their son Jamie

BREAST CANCER CONNECTIONS

LET’S GET CONNECTED

Breast Cancer Connections is a new online fundraising tool that will ensure more of your money goes directly to Campaign projects. Meet two fundraisers already using the service and find out why they’re so passionate about our work

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Andi Bernstein – still inspiring others

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Claire Norman – sharing her story

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I’M DELIGHTED TO JOIN THE COMMUNITY ON CONNECTIONS AND RAISE FUNDS FOR GENETIC RESEARCH

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&ODLUH¶V XVLQJ &RQQHFWLRQV RQ )DFHERRN to raise money for her sponsored DEVHLO LQ -XO\

PART OF THE CURE <RX FDQ ¿QG %UHDVW &DQFHU &RQQHFWLRQV WKURXJK RXU )DFHERRN SDJH ,I \RX RU VRPHRQH \RX NQRZ KDV EHHQ WRXFKHG E\ EUHDVW FDQFHU sign up today at breastcancercampaign.org/connections

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RESEARCHING THE CURE

How a small step could become a giant leap DR INGUNN HOLEN’S CAMPAIGN-FUNDED RESEARCH IS TACKLING THE SPREAD OF CANCER TO THE BONES IN BREAST CANCER PATIENTS

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t is one of the greatest frustrations cancer from spreading – that’s where I really of cancer treatment: why does cancer want to make a difference,’ she says. spread, even when it appears to have Projects like those overseen by Dr Holen are been eradicated from the area where a prime example of Campaign’s commitment it originally occurred? to funding the world’s best researchers in This question is the subject of an investigation RXU PLVVLRQ WR ÂżQG D FXUH IRU EUHDVW FDQFHU led by one of Campaign’s longest-serving According to Dr Holen, the charity has played researchers, Dr Ingunn Holen. She and her a big part in shaping her career too. ‘When team of scientists are looking into bone I started off as a researcher, it was Breast metastasis, the process which sees breast &DQFHU &DPSDLJQ WKDW JDYH PH P\ ÂżUVW JUDQW Âś cancer spread to the skeleton. she remembers. ‘If it wasn’t for that grant, ‘There is a stubborn percentage of I almost certainly wouldn’t be working in breast breast cancer cases in which – cancer research today.’ despite the patient getting the ‘I did my PhD at Norway’s largest EHVW SRVVLEOH WUHDWPHQW Âą ZH ÂżQG cancer hospital, and during that time that the cancer has come back in I saw that so much of the treatment WE NEED TO the skeleton. It’s that process cancer patients receive was UNDERSTAND that we’re really interested in associated with major side EACH PROCESS effects, sometimes with very little investigating,’ explains Dr Holen. Uncovering exactly what EHQHÂżW WR WKH SDWLHQW ,W PDGH PH BEHIND THE happens when cancer cells want to help,’ she says. CANCER, AND arrive in the bone is a hugely Now based at the University of THEN WE CAN complex process, and little 6KHIÂżHOG 'U +ROHQ KDV FRQGXFWHG D FIND WAYS TO research has been done into number of research projects funded STOP THEM it – until now. The team’s early by the charity, the largest of which ÂżQGLQJV KDYH EHHQ VXUSULVLQJ was her innovative research into ‘We’ve found that even when drug combination therapies. there are just a few cancer cells She found that the way drugs are present in the bone, it initiates a combined and sequenced made a big difference dramatic change to the normal bone in the ability to kill breast cancer cells. ‘It was a environment,’ says Dr Holen. bit of an eye-opener,’ she says, ‘because before ‘We’ve shown that this change happens we did this research we thought that if a patient very early on, so if we’re going to prevent bone was taking two kinds of drugs, it didn’t really GHWHULRUDWLRQ ZH FDQÂśW DIIRUG WR ÂżQG LW ODWH Âś matter what sequence they took them in.’ she says. But there is still a lot to learn: ‘As with Research like Dr Holen’s may go on to have HYHU\WKLQJ LQ FDQFHU UHVHDUFK ÂżUVW ZH QHHG implications for breast cancer patients, and to understand each process and then we can that’s why it’s so important we continue to fund ÂżQG ZD\V WR VWRS WKHP Âś research. ‘My goal is to contribute to a pool The implications of this research could be of knowledge that will ultimately lead to either far-reaching. ‘Hopefully, it will give us a handle better breast cancer therapies or earlier on how we can intervene and prevent breast detection – hopefully both,’ she says.

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Photography: Michael Thomas Jones

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Dr Ingunn Holen’s research could play a vital role in ¿QGLQJ D FXUH IRU breast cancer

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“

It struck me that these women hadn’t really been given a voice before

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WORDS Emma Barlow PHOTOGRAPHY Michael Thomas Jones

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PERSONAL JOURNEYS Dr Fiona Kennedy analysed women’s experiences of DCIS

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Dr Fiona Kennedy’s study of women with ductal carcinoma in situ sheds light on a complex area. But she hopes it will help to clear up confusion‌

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ave I got breast cancer, or not?’ It’s a question many women diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ – or DCIS – can be left wondering. DCIS is a condition where cancer cells are contained in the milk duct of the breast but haven’t yet spread into the surrounding normal breast tissue. It accounts for nearly 20 per cent of breast cancers detected by the UK breast screening programme. While DCIS is not itself thought to be life-threatening, in an estimated 30 to 50 per cent of cases it can develop into invasive breast cancer if not treated. Therefore, many women are given the same treatments used for invasive breast cancer. At Breast Cancer Campaign, we fund ground-breaking VFLHQWLÂżF UHVHDUFK LQFOXGLQJ SV\FKRVRFLDO EDVHG VWXGLHV WKDW IRFXV RQ ÂżQGLQJ RXW KRZ ZRPHQ FRSH emotionally with breast cancer. One such study was conducted by Dr Fiona Kennedy at the University of the West of England in Bristol. Her investigation looked into women’s experiences of DCIS. ‘We knew that having DCIS was quite complex and SRVVLEO\ D GLIÂżFXOW VLWXDWLRQ WR EH LQ DV D SDWLHQW Âś VKH says. ‘A lot of people haven’t heard of it – most people think that there is only one type of breast cancer.’ Dr Kennedy carried out three research studies to explore how women with DCIS experienced and felt about the condition, and one study investigating how health professionals viewed the condition. She knew she’d hit on an important area of research when her research team put the call out for women ZLOOLQJ WR SDUWLFLSDWH LQ WKH ÂżUVW VWXG\ Îź:H RQO\ QHHGHG WR ZRPHQ IRU WKH ÂżUVW LQWHUYLHZ study, but we had something like 80 women get in touch, wanting to take part,’ she recalls. ‘It struck me that they hadn’t really been given a voice before.’ It became clear from the three patient studies that the women involved had different perceptions of what DCIS was and what it meant for them. BREASTCANCERCAMPAIGN.ORG

WE KNEW THAT HAVING DCIS WAS QUITE A COMPLEX AND DIFFICULT SITUATION TO BE IN AS A PATIENT

Breast screening: mythbusting

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WHY IS IT IMPORTANT? Spotting breast cancer early is vital because treatment is most effective when the disease is in its early stage. This is why regular breast screenings are so important. Mammograms can detect small changes in breast tissue before they can be seen or even felt.

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WHO IS SCREENED? In the UK, women aged between 50 and 70 are invited for a screening every three years. In some areas of England, this is extended to women aged between 47 and 73. In the Republic of Ireland, women aged 50 to 64 are called every two years. Women over the age of 70 can also request routine screening appointments.

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WHAT ABOUT YOUNGER WOMEN? Most women under 50 aren’t routinely screened, but if you have a family history of the GLVHDVH RU \RX ¿QG XQXVXDO changes, you can be referred for further testing.

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ARE THERE ANY RISKS AND LIMITATIONS ? There has been concern that screening can lead to misdiagnosis, because while screening can identify DCIS, we don’t yet know which cases of DCIS will develop into invasive breast cancer. Also, mammograms carry a low dose of radiation, DOWKRXJK WKH EHQH¿WV RI VFUHHQLQJ are thought to outweigh this risk. Occasionally, some patients are recalled because of unclear mammograms, or for more tests. While screening can detect breast cancer, it won’t prevent you from getting the disease, which is why it’s so important to be breast aware, especially between screening appointments.

BREASTCANCERCAMPAIGN.ORG

Supporter’s story

AS FAR AS I WAS CONCERNED, IT WAS CANCER

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arah Sawyer, 57, was one of the women who took part in Dr Fiona Kennedy’s Campaign-funded interview study. Sarah was originally diagnosed with breast cancer, but it turned out to be DCIS. Yet in Sarah’s mind, there wasn’t any difference between the two. Sarah was diagnosed at the beginning of 2003 and underwent three lumpectomies that year before the doctors gave her the all clear. But she was left with a very distorted breast and just didn’t feel right. ‘After I had a third lumpectomy I ended up with virtually no breast on the left-hand side, and I’d had quite big boobs originally,’ she says. ‘I just didn’t feel comfortable. So I decided that I’d have a double mastectomy.’ Sarah was aware that her family had a history of breast cancer. ‘I had always thought that if I ever had any problem I wasn’t going to mess about and I’d have a mastectomy. ‘I’d had trouble with my breasts before, and I also had a friend who had a breast removed and then got cancer in the other breast and actually died. It was a very easy decision for me – it was never a case of just having one taken off, I didn’t see the point in that.’ When Sarah’s tissue was analysed she was told that it showed extensive DCIS and the consultant said that the mastectomy had probably been a life saver! ‘It wasn’t until later in conversations that DCIS came up. I’d never heard of it and in my head there wasn’t any difference. I think certainly as far as friends and family were concerned, it was straight-up breast cancer.’ Fortunately, Sarah recovered well. She has recently been back into hospital to have her implants replaced. ‘One of them had twisted round and as I’d had them for about eight years, I thought I might as well replace both of them. I’m on my second round of replacements now and given it’s been nine years, I think that’s to be expected.’

BREASTCANCERCAMPAIGN.ORG

‘Some women viewed it simply as breast cancer – they had to have it treated like breast cancer and they felt like a breast cancer patient,’ says Dr Kennedy. ‘Other women felt that they were in this middle ground of having something wrong with them but they didn’t think of it as ‘real’ breast cancer. Then there was a third group who were adamant that they didn’t have breast cancer and that the cells were precancerous.’ Treatments for DCIS are often the same as those used for invasive cancer – such as mastectomies, radiotherapy and hormone treatment – and this plays a massive part in women’s perception of the condition. ‘It’s a paradox really,’ says Dr Kennedy. ‘A woman can be told, “You’re lucky this is DCIS,” or, “You’re lucky that it’s been caught really early,” and in the next breath she can be told she has to have a mastectomy. μ,W¶V YHU\ GLI¿FXOW WR EHOLHYH WKDW \RX GR QRW KDYH EUHDVW cancer if you have to have an extensive operation that affects your life, your relationships and your body image.’ Just as important for Dr Kennedy and the research team was to investigate exactly how health professionals approach DCIS and how they explain the condition to their patients. The results proved that it wasn’t just patients who were challenged by the condition. They surveyed nearly 300 health professionals including breast care nurses, surgeons, radiologists and oncologists and found that, like the women interviewed, they also had different opinions about what DCIS was. ‘Some of them were calling it breast cancer, or telling women it was an early form of cancer; some of them were saying it’s precancer, or a precancerous condition, or a non-invasive condition; and some were actually telling women it’s not cancer at all,’ says Dr Kennedy. The survey also revealed that many health SURIHVVLRQDOV IRXQG LW GLI¿FXOW WR H[SODLQ WKH FRQGLWLRQ to their patients. Dr Kennedy hopes that her published research will help inform health professionals about how women diagnosed with DCIS experience the condition and that future research explores how DCIS can be more effectively communicated between patient and health professional – although there is still a lot to learn. For now, Dr Kennedy believes the best thing that can be done for women with the condition is to provide them with adequate information and support. ‘Everything that’s useful in helping someone with invasive breast cancer needs to be available to patients with DCIS too,’ she says. ‘Most importantly, women need to be given time and support to work through the complex nature of their condition, and to get the best possible understanding of it.’

BE PART OF THE CURE Thanks to your support, Breast Cancer Campaign is able to fund vital research like Dr Kennedy’s. To get involved, visit breastcancercampaign.org

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WHAT IS DUCTAL CARCINOMA IN SITU (DCIS)? How DCIS compares to invasive ductal cancer and a healthy duct

W NORMAL DUCT This is a cross-section view of the milk duct in the breast. This duct is made of healthy cells and shows no sign of cancerous tissue

W DUCTAL CARCINOMA IN SITU (DCIS) Abnormal or cancerous cells have formed but are contained within the duct. ‘In situ’ means ‘in place’

W INVASIVE DUCTAL CANCER Cancerous cells have spread outside the duct and are invading the surrounding healthy tissue

SCREENING REVIEW UPDATE

Science Photo Library

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s Dr Fiona Kennedy’s story shows, a diagnosis of DCIS can be confusing, which has led to a lot of debate about the screening programme. Here at Campaign, we welcome the review of the Breast Screening Programme, which is currently taking place. The intention of the review is to make sure there’s an up-to-date DVVHVVPHQW RI ERWK WKH EHQH¿WV and risks of screening, as well as its overall effectiveness. The review panel will be made up of independent experts, chaired

by Professor Sir Michael G Marmot, the Medical Research Council Professor of Epidemiology and Public Health at University College London. The panel will report this summer. Also being reviewed is the VFUHHQLQJ SURJUDPPH OHDÀHW which women receive with their invitation to attend a screening. 7KH OHDÀHW LV EHLQJ UHYLVHG WR PDNH sure it’s informative, balanced and JLYHV ZRPHQ FRQ¿GHQFH LQ WKH screening process. We’re interested in hearing your experiences of screening, both positive and negative. Contact policy@breastcancercampaign.org

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WHY WE WALK THE WALK The Breast Cancer Campaign Tissue Bank has received a £2 million grant from Walk the Walk, the UK’s biggest grant making breast cancer charity, which raises money through the MoonWalk. Here, Cara Bramall explains why it’s a cause close to her heart

An uplifting experience: Cara and friends at the MoonWalk

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n 1974 our mother died of breast cancer – she was only 34. Four years later my sister Rebecca, who was only 11, was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma, a child’s cancer. She had surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Then when she was 15, the cancer came back. Rebecca had to have further treatment – and come to terms with the realisation that she would be unable to have a family. Eventually, she started to live a normal life again. At the age of 27, to everyone’s surprise, she became pregnant and had a son, Oliver, in October 1994. Then in May 1996 she had a daughter, Amelia. Everyone was so pleased for her because it was against all the odds.

Then, in January 2002, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. The news came like a thunderbolt, but Rebecca remained very positive. She had six months of chemotherapy – during which she continued to work – followed by a mastectomy and reconstruction. Then in August 2003 she elected to have her other breast removed and reconstructed to reduce the chance of the disease reoccurring. In 2004, after experiencing side effects from hormonal breast cancer therapy, she had two operations to remove benign polyps. After further side effects and another exploratory operation in January 2005, she decided on a hysterectomy. Yet, just nine weeks later, she joined me in completing the 26.2-mile MoonWalk. Since then, we’ve taken part every year, often joined by our children and Rebecca’s husband Paul – all dressed in decorated bras. Earlier this year we visited the Breast Cancer Campaign Tissue

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Rebecca (right) and Car a (left) with MoonWalk founder Nina Baroug h

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IT’S A PRIVILEGE TO RAISE MONEY FOR SUCH A WORTHWHILE CAUSE

Bank, and the experience gave us such an insight into where the money we have helped to raise has been used. I consider it a privilege to raise money for such a worthwhile cause, and knowing from my own experience how important research is makes me even more determined to continue.

Wendy has taken part in the MooonWalk since 2005

Wendy’s story

EVERY STEP COUNTS MoonWalk regular Wendy Windridge explains why, for her, the event is unmissable

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became aware of Walk the Walk in the autumn of 2004. I had sadly lost two friends my own age from breast cancer, and wanted to do something to remember them and help in a positive way. I took part in the 2005 MoonWalk (one of the Walk the Walk events) – and have been taking part every year since. Each year since 2004/5, someone I know has been diagnosed with breast cancer. To help give these friends something positive to focus on, I have ‘walked’ in their name – emailing and writing to anyone I know asking for sponsorship, and giving an account of why I am requesting their help. The MoonWalk itself becomes a very personal tribute, and the person undergoing treatment is invited to Hyde Park for the ‘Finish’ breakfast party after I’ve crossed the line. For three of my friends, that morning was WKH ¿UVW WLPH WKH\ KDG YHQWXUHG RXW VLQFH ORVLQJ WKHLU KDLU WR chemotherapy, but they all felt a part of what I and the thousands of other walkers do, and it gave them an occasion to aim for. Other friends have since become MoonWalk Volunteers, so when we all meet up at the Finish Line it is quite an emotional celebration! I hope to reach over £14,000 in total sponsorship this year. However, my challenge is nothing compared to breast cancer patients facing much greater challenges of their own.

BE PART OF THE CURE Whether you want to walk, run, cycle, or skydive, there’s an active fundraising event for everyone. For inspiration, visit breastcancercampaign.org and click on BE PART OF THE CURE

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Doing their bit to BE PART OF THE CURE

Ladbrokes staff took part in wear it pink to raise ÂŁ65,000

PEDALLING IT PINK

Businesses go to great lengths to BE PART OF THE CURE for Breast Cancer Campaign. A team from Travis Perkins rode from one end of the UK to the other for the charity

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team from Travis Perkins took on the mammoth challenge of cycling from Land’s End to John O’Groats to raise a wonderful ÂŁ25,000 for the building supplier’s two chosen charities – Breast Cancer Campaign and Together for Short Lives. The team of eight riders decided to add an extra dimension to their fundraising challenge, pairing up and taking it in turns to pedal the famous route in a non-stop relay. This meant they could clock up an average of PLOHV D GD\ DQG ÂżQLVK WKH 850-mile journey in just four days. ‘We were all at different levels in WHUPV RI ÂżWQHVV Âą VRPH RI XV URGH three times a week in preparation, while others had only looked at their bikes!’ commented Travis Perkins Group Hire Director Richard Dey. This is the second cycle ride Travis Perkins has done IRU WKH FKDULW\ 7KH ÂżUVW LQ involved eight colleagues from Travis Perkins. The cyclists pushed through tiredness and saddle injuries on

the intense challenge to raise as much money as they could. ‘The greatest problem was lack of sleep because of our decision to do it as a non-stop relay,’ said Richard. ‘But we wanted to do everything we could to make a difference to other people’s lives and raise awareness of two great charities.’ Staff from Travis Perkins are planning another bike ride, their third, where all members will ride PLOHV D GD\ IRU ÂżYH GD\V IURP 0XUUD\ÂżHOG LQ (GLQEXUJK WR Twickenham in London, and then on to the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. Thank you so much for your efforts!

Mrs Crimble’s hopes to raise ZLWK S IURP HYHU\ special pack going to Campaign mrscrimbles.com

Staff at the Royal Bank of Scotland Group wore pink and raised more than ÂŁ30,000

Long-term Campaign supporter Filofax will donate ÂŁ2.20 from each pink one sold ÂżORID[ FR XN

Veolia Environmental Services staff raised more than ÂŁ7,700 during wear it pink

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YOUR POINT OF VIEW

We love it when you get in touch with your questions and thoughts, or to share your experiences. Write to us and you could win a fabulous prize‌

DONATE YOUR CARTRIDGES

Q

We’re seeking a FKDULW\ WR EHQH¿W from recycling toner cartridges. Our printers are quite big and we want to check that you DFFHSW WKHP ¿UVW Conrad Dybiona, Commercial Manager, HSBC Bank

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Cartridge recycling is a great way to protect the environment and raise money for research at the same time. We can send you FREEPOST bags for small ink cartridges and for

large businesses with more toner cartridges, we can arrange for boxes to be sent from our recycling partner Environmental Business Products. Just tell us when the boxes are full and they’ll be picked up free of charge by courier.

MAKING A DRAMA OF IT

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I’m a drama student and my class wants to put on a performance about breast cancer. Do you have promotional materials we can use? A student from St John Rigby College

STAR LETTER HOW CAN I HELP?

Q

I run a small business and would like to raise money for Campaign by selling products with your logo on them and donating a certain amount of the sales. How can I make this happen? Craig McGregor, Tyne & Wear

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You would need to sign a contract with us and commit to raising £1,000 in the ¿UVW TXDUWHU DQG WKHUH are lots of other rules and regulations you’d need to stick to. If this

A

This sounds great! Our Supporter Care team can send you information and material about the charity, but as these are an expense to

Last year, my dad had breast cancer. We found a lot of ignorance out there and someone actually told Dad he was lying because it only affects women.

BREASTCANCERCAMPAIGN.ORG

the charity, it would be JUHDW LI \RX FRXOG ÂżQG D way to raise funds for us too, and help us to cover our costs. Thanks for choosing to support us.

WRITE TO US AT:

Our last issue got you talking! Here are some of your thoughts from Facebook and Twitter

My dad had treatment for breast cancer the year before last. People need to be more aware as catching the disease early in both men and women is vitally important. Tamsin Bellerby

Congratulations Craig! Your star letter wins you this stylish Coral cutlery set from Viners, worth ÂŁ60

GET IN TOUCH

HAVE YOU JOINED THE CONVERSATION?

Everything Kevin, your cover star, said reminded me what my daughter has and is still going through. Thanks so much for sharing your story. Geraldine Hunt

isn’t really possible, you could make a company donation, depending on what you can afford to give. Get in touch with our fundraising experts on WR ¿QG out what’s the best option for you.

Breast Cancer Campaign, Clifton Centre, 110 Clifton Street, London EC2A 4HT

CALL supporter care: 020 7749 4114 But the team at our local hospital were fab, really helpful and very supportive throughout. Emma Parkin Many events for breast cancer are for women only, so I understand why people assume it only affects women. When I tell people it affects men too, they genuinely seem surprised. The message needs to be for both sexes. Kevin Blighe

EMAIL US AT: info@breastcancercampaign.org

visit OUR WEBSITE: breastcancercampaign.org/aboutus

TWEET US: @BCCampaign

FACEBOOK AT: facebook/breast cancercampaign

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31

BE PART OF THE CURE

DATES FOR THE DIARY Keep up with what’s going on at Campaign – and come and join us! june

july

september

octoBER

9

11

5-9

6/21/27

The Nightrider, a unique moonlight cycle ride, comes to London

Time for a spot of international cricket at Wormsley Ladies’ Day

One of the great cycle experiences – the London to Paris Bike Ride

Major Series Runs in the South, the North and the Midlands

17

14

7-9

7

Swim For All in Yorkshire with a 500m or 1500m open-water swim

The Henley Rugby Sevens gets right behind Breast Cancer Campaign

Take on the hugely rewarding Three Peaks Challenge

The Royal Parks Foundation Half Marathon in London

9

12-24

Join in the annual 5km sponsored Generations Walk in North London

Our once-in-alifetime fundraising trek to Machu Picchu in Peru

16

13

The world-famous BUPA Great North Run returns

The Pink Ribbon Ball, The Dorchester, Park Lane

THE ROYAL PARKS HALF MARATHON, OCTOBER 7

JUNE 9

SEPT 7-9

SEPTEMBER 25-30

OCTOBER 12-24

22-23

26

Swim, run and ride in the Virgin Active London Triathlon

Remember to Breast Cancer Campaign

Oct 1-31

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

25-30

28

Nov 4

ING New York Marathon

Run to the Beat powered by Nike+ half marathon in London

Dec 7-16

Our adventurers travel to Morocco for the challenging High Atlas Trek

Rajasthan Bike Ride

Jan 16-27 2013

Kilimanjaro Trek

30 We’ll be turning the sky pink with our Big Pink Jump

Coming up soon

wear it pink for

BE PART OF THE CURE For more information about Breast Cancer Campaign events and fundraising, visit breastcancercampaign.org or call 020 7749 4114

BREASTCANCERCAMPAIGN.ORG

YOU ARE THE FUTURE OF BREAST CANCER RESEARCH

We all know how important it is to make provision for loved ones in a Will. It can also ensure that the things that have been important to you in your lifetime live on when you are gone. By making a gift in your Will to Breast Cancer Campaign, you will be funding the next generation of scientists as they search for a cure. Legacies represent the ultimate commitment of a supporter to Breast

Cancer Campaign’s work, which is why we are always delighted to hear from people who have decided to support us in this way. If you have left us a legacy in your Will or you would like to, we would love to hear from you. Please call us on 020 7749 4114 or email us at supportercare@breastcancercampaign. org so we can say thank you in person. 7RJHWKHU ZH ZLOO ¿QG D FXUH To discuss how a gift in your Will can help XV ¿QG D FXUH IRU EUHDVW FDQFHU SOHDVH FDOO 020 7749 4114 and ask for Joel Voysey

facebook.com/ breastcancercampaign

breastcancercampaign. org/connections

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