Help shape research on BRCA breast cancer prevention
Category: Patient or loved one
Join a patient advisory panel to shape research into drugs which could prevent cancer from developing in people with the BRCA gene mutation.
What’s the project about?
In the past 10 years, there’s been increasing awareness in the general public of the BRCA1 gene mutation which increases people’s risk of developing breast cancer. Now, there are more people having double mastectomies as preventative surgery.
However, breast removal is a serious medical procedure. Researchers want to know if there is an alternative way to prevent breast cancer in BRCA1 carriers without having to undergo surgery.
A research group at the University of Cambridge has been studying how BRCA1 mutations affect breast cells before any cancer is detected.
They’ve found that some of the earliest changes caused by BCRA1 mutations could be treated using certain drugs.
They’ve now been funded by Cancer Research UK to test six of these drugs in a lab model of BRCA1 breast cancer to see if they could prevent cancer development.
They hope to have strong evidence to support testing the use of these drugs as prevention therapeutics in a clinical trial.
They’re looking for people affected by breast cancer to join an advisory panel to help to inform and guide this research.
Who’s organising it?
Name of project lead: Sara Pensa
Job title: Senior Research Associate
Organisation: University of Cambridge
Email address: sp580@cam.ac.uk
Phone number: 01223334060
Who can take part?
The researchers want to recruit a small group with diverse experiences to work with researchers to exchange knowledge, review proposals and develop future activities. They’re looking for people who:
- Have lived experience of breast cancer
- Have undergone drug or surgical treatments similar to those they’re testing
They’re particularly interested in meeting and will prioritise people who:
- Carry the BRCA1, BRCA2 or PALB2 genes, their families and carers
- Have had, considered, or are considering, preventative breast surgery
Why do you want me to be involved?
People who are affected by BRCA1 mutations, breast cancer and treatments have valuable perspectives that the researchers want to hear.
By joining the patient advisory group you will help shape the research and engagement plans and ensure they’re relevant and beneficial beyond the lab.
What will you ask me to do?
As part of the group, you will:
- Attend meetings, usually online, to discuss and provide feedback on project progress
- Review documents and summaries in advance of meetings
- Offer personal and community insights to ensure the project addresses patient needs
- Share ideas and practice that you see elsewhere and training you’d find valuable
- Participate in discussions about wider communication, engagement and involvement plans
How do I get involved?
To find out more about the role or to sign up, you can visit the website.
You can also find out more by reading the role specification.
When’s the deadline?
29 November 2024
Get involved
Sign up for the advisory panel to shape the research project and contribute to future preventative treatment for people with the BRCA1 gene mutation.