In this section
We’re Breast Cancer Now, the charity steered by world-class research and powered by life-changing care.
Our Breast Cancer Voices bring the voice of people affected by breast cancer into the heart of UK-wide policy, research and care.
They participate in research studies, take part in Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) opportunities. And they use their voices in many other ways to create change.
1. Who are Breast Cancer Voices?
The community of over 1,200 members is made up of people whose lives have been changed by breast cancer, who want to use their experiences to make a difference for others.
The community includes:
- Current and former primary breast cancer patients
- People living with secondary breast cancer
- People who've cared for someone with, or lost someone to, breast cancer
- Those who've engaged with family history services
Lived experience is so vital to give researchers insights. I was delighted to be involved in this project and I know my insight will lead to positive results.
Breast Cancer Voices member
2. How can they help?
We share approved research studies on our public research studies noticeboard. PPI and other opportunities are shared on our private Voices noticeboard.
All of the month’s opportunities, along with updates and case studies, are shared on the fourth Tuesday of every month in our Voices bulletin.
You can look at an example of a previous bulletin to see what we share.
Occasionally, we may be able to identify specific individuals or groups to approach more directly – for example, if you need a patient expert speaker.
Voices participants have shaped our findings, and how we approach the next stages of our work.
Dr Emma Davies
3. Where do I start?
Read our Voices engagement guidance and terms for more information about:
- What we can and can't help with
- The different ways we can contact the right people for you
- Our deadlines and lead times
- The documents you'll need to provide
- What we expect from you
Then simply complete our engagement request form with your details, copy and documents. We usually need around 3 weeks’ notice ahead of the bulletin mailout date.
4. Other sources of support
Useful sources
We can't offer advice or support with PPI beyond advertising. But you may find these sources useful:
UK Standards for Public Involvement in Research
Public co-applicants in research
Guidance on roles and responsibilities, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR)
Payment guidance for researchers and professionals
Payment and recognition for involvement, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR)
Working with Breast Cancer Now has not only provided high quality, accessible PPI, but also enriched my experience as a health care professional and researcher - creating new opportunities to work with our stakeholders, promote my profession, and interact with patient experience outside of my routine clinical practice.
Sairanne Wickers
Consultant breast radiographer at University College London Hospitals (UCLH)
Contact us
Please get in touch if you need help with the form, or to discuss your requirements.