Informing the future of secondary breast cancer services in England and Wales

What’s the project about?

After years of campaigning by Breast Cancer Now and other charities, a national audit of secondary breast cancer was announced in 2021. This is called the National Audit of Metastatic Breast Cancer (NAoMe).

The audit aims to find out about the quality of care experiences by people with secondary breast cancer in England and Wales, and to develop recommendations for how it can be improved.

As part of the NaoMe, the organisers are inviting people affected by secondary breast cancer to be part of a Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) Forum.

Who can take part?

You can take part if you, or a family member, friend, or someone you care for are living with secondary breast cancer, and you live in England or Wales.

They are particularly keen to find representation from groups not currently represented on the forum:

• People in Wales
• Men
• People under 50
• People from communities other than White-British

Why do you want me to be involved?

The PPI Forum is an advisory group which aims to ensure the voice of patients is reflected in the direction and delivery of the NAoMe.

What will you ask me to do?

As a forum member, you’ll be invited to a minimum of 2 virtual forum meetings a year. There may be additional ad-hoc meetings, depending on the needs of the group.

At these meetings, you’ll discuss the current findings and recommendations, providing your perspectives on the outcomes of the audit. Your input will also ensure that any proposed work will be accessible and beneficial for people living with secondary breast cancer.

You can also join the meetings in person if you like. The meetings will be at the Royal College of Surgeons of England in London, and your travel expenses will be reimbursed.

Dates of meetings aren’t yet confirmed, but the organisers will be in touch beforehand to let you know all of the details.

How do I get involved?

If you’d like more information or are interested in applying to join the NAoMe PPI Forum, please email the organisers at breastcanceraudits@rcseng.ac.uk.

You can also email Emma Lavelle at emma.lavelle@breastcancernow.org if you have any questions about the audits.

When’s the deadline?

Please respond ASAP