Breast Cancer Now is delighted to announce three new appointments to its Board of Trustees who will support delivery of the charity’s recently launched strategy.
That is, to accelerate progress in turning the tide against breast cancer, so that, by 2050, everyone diagnosed with breast cancer lives, and is supported to live well.
Professor Mitch Dowsett FMedSci, PhD is Professor of Biochemical Endocrinology at the Institute of Cancer Research.
He retires this month from being Professor of Translational Research in the Toby Robins Breast Cancer Now Centre, London.
Prior to this, for more than 25 years he was Head of the Academic Department of Biochemistry at the Royal Marsden Hospital.
A globally respected expert in breast cancer research, he has primarily focussed on hormonal aspects of the disease.
Mitch brings a strong network among the breast cancer community and strategic oversight to the Board, along with particular interest in how the charity evolves its information and support services.
Dr Ingunn Holen is Professor of Bone Oncology and team leader in the Department of Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield, and science lead of the Sheffield Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre.
Working in advanced breast cancer for more than 20 years, with a particular focus on metastatic bone disease, she has a strong scientific track record in basic and translational research.
Having received funding from (legacy charity) Breast Cancer Campaign to launch her successful career in breast cancer research, Ingunn brings a highly analytical approach, and strong check and challenge to the charity in its progress delivering on its strategy.
Dr Nisha Sharma is Consultant Breast Radiologist, and Director of Breast Screening and Clinical Lead for Breast Imaging at Leeds Wakefield.
She was responsible for overseeing the transition from analogue to digital mammography.
Actively involved in research, she has set up her own research projects and participated in large multicentre trials as a co-applicant.
Drawing on her expertise and insight to the breast cancer diagnostic pathway, Nisha is committed to creating change and will closely monitor how the charity is delivering on its goals.
Delyth Morgan, Chief Executive of Breast Cancer Now, said:
“Breast Cancer Now is incredibly privileged to have a Board of Trustees that brings together highly-respected experts in breast cancer – across research and care.
"I’m delighted to welcome Mitch, Ingunn and Nisha as our newest trustees and know the diverse experience and expertise they bring will further help us to accelerate progress in realising our charity’s ambitions. We are fully committed to turning the tide against breast cancer, and the counsel and expertise of our Trustees helps us to do this better and more quickly.
"I’m excited for what we will achieve together to ensure the charity is supporting anyone with breast cancer the whole way through, and bringing hope for the future through world-class research.”
Professor Mitch Dowsett, Breast Cancer Now Trustee, said:
“After many years of receiving funding from the charity, I am delighted to join this excellent Board of Trustees and to help steer the critical scientific research aspects of its work.”
Dr Ingunn Holen, Breast Cancer Now Trustee, said:
“I am delighted and honoured to be appointed a Breast Cancer Now Trustee. I look forward to working with the charity to implement its excellent strategy to improve the outcome for breast cancer patients, and to support the development of the next generation of highly dedicated researchers”.
Dr Nisha Sharma, Breast Cancer Now Trustee, said:
"I am delighted to join the Board of Trustees and am that hoping together, we can make a positive difference now and going forward for women with breast cancer."
Breast Cancer Now’s Board of Trustees is chaired by Jill Thompson, and its other members are: Professor Adrian Harris, Andrew Moore, Ann Pickering, Barbara Brown, Chris Copeland, Mark Astaire, Pascale Alvanitakis-Guely, Sonia Gayle and Sue Gallone.
ENDS
For more information and for high-res headshots of the Trustees, please contact: press@breastcancernow.org
Notes to Editors
The Trustees took up their posts on 28 July, 2021.
About Breast Cancer Now
- Breast Cancer Now is the UK's first comprehensive breast cancer charity, combining world-class research and life-changing care.
- Breast Cancer Now's ambition is that, by 2050, everyone who develops breast cancer will live and be supported to live well.
- Breast Cancer Now, the research and care charity, launched in October 2019, created by the merger of specialist support and information charity Breast Cancer Care and leading research charity Breast Cancer Now.
- Visit breastcancernow.org or follow us on Twitter or Facebook or Instagram.
- Anyone looking for support or information can call Breast Cancer Now's free Helpline on 0808 800 6000.