Breakthrough Breast Cancer

Breakthrough Breast Cancer logo

Breakthrough Breast Cancer is a United Kingdom charity whose mission is to "save lives through improving early diagnosis, developing new treatments and preventing all types of breast cancer".

History

Breakthrough Breast Cancer was envisioned by Bill Freedman and his children. Freedman's wife, actress Toby Robins (1931–1986), died from breast cancer in 1986. With Barry Gusterson of the Institute of Cancer Research, Freedman concluded that a new approach was needed to tackle that disease. They set out to establish a centre of excellence for breast cancer research under one roof, working on a coordinated programme of research. The organisation was founded to make this a reality, and in 1999 the Breakthrough Toby Robins Breast Cancer Research Centre, at the Institute of Cancer Research, opened.[1][2]


In addition to the research centre, Breakthrough provides expert information about breast cancer and campaigns for better breast cancer services. In November 2003, their "Campaigns & Advocacy Network" was formed when they merged with the UK Breast Cancer Coalition (UKBCC). The organization works in partnership with other cancer research organisations and is a member of the National Cancer Research Institute. [3]

Survey

The "Breakthrough Generations Survey" aims to survey 100,000 women and "plans to be the largest, most comprehensive scientific study into the causes of breast cancer".[4][5] The survey is being carried out in association with the Institute of Cancer Research. It asks women taking part to complete a comprehensive questionnaire about a wide range of health and lifestyle topics, and to have a blood sample taken, to then be followed up by investigators over the next 50 years.

Fundraising campaigns

The charity runs fundraising campaigns throughout the year, including Fashion Targets Breast Cancer, £1,000 Challenge, Pink Bake Off,[6][7] running events, treks and others.

Marks & Spencer has sold a wide range of charitable women's clothes for them.[8] for many years, and Avon have supported the charity for over 20 years with a range of fundraising products and campaigns.[9]

TLC

Breakthrough Breast Cancer's TLC (Touch, Look, Check) breast cancer awareness campaign encourages women to be aware of the signs and symptoms of breast cancer.

iBreastCheck

Breakthrough Breast Cancer launched 'iBreastCheck' as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in 2010.[10][11][12][13] iBreastCheck is a mobile app that is an extension of the TLC campaign (see above), incorporating a TLC video, slideshow and reminder service, personalised breast cancer risk report, and information on Breakthrough's activities and how to get involved. Initially available for iPhones, an Android version was released in 2012.[14]

NHS Breast Screening: The Facts

In 2013 Breakthrough Breast Cancer launched a 'NHS Breast Screening: The Facts' website to support women aged 50-70 in making an informed choice about whether to attend breast screening, after controversy in the UK media regarding the efficacy of breast screening for women.[15][16][17] The website was the winner of the 2014 AMRC (Association of Medical Research Charities) Science Communication Awards for 'Communicating controversial topics'.[18]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Me and my breasts". The Independent (London). 1997-02-15. Retrieved 1997-02-15.
  2. ↑ "RDFunding". Retrieved 2006-06-27.
  3. ↑ "What to do when somebody dies". Retrieved 2009-02-11.
  4. ↑ "Breakthrough generations". Retrieved 2007-11-08.
  5. ↑ NHS National Library for Health, Clinical Genetics Specialist Library. "Breakthrough Generations Study". Retrieved 2007-11-08.
  6. ↑ myhealthlondon. "The Great Pink Bake Off". Retrieved 2013-10-13.
  7. ↑ Laura Ashley. "The Great Pink Bake Off". Retrieved 2013-10-31.
  8. ↑ Fashion Targets Breast Cancer – Breakthrough Breast Cancer
  9. ↑ Avon and Breakthrough: A Beautiful Partnership
  10. ↑ "iBreastCheck application launched". Retrieved 2010-10-03.
  11. ↑ "New iPhone app launched to remind women to carry out checks for breast cancer". Daily Mail (London). 2010-10-04. Retrieved 2010-10-04.
  12. ↑ "iBreastCheck puts boobs on Apple iTunes for good cause". Retrieved 2010-10-04.
  13. ↑ "Digital campaign of the week: Breakthrough Breast Cancer". Retrieved 2010-10-07.
  14. ↑ "5 medical apps that can save your life". Retrieved 2012-12-14.
  15. ↑ "Breast cancer screening causes more damage than previously thought". Retrieved 2012-10-30.
  16. ↑ "Breast cancer screening 'harming thousands'". Retrieved 2012-10-29.
  17. ↑ "Needless cancer therapy for 4,000 women: For every life saved by breast screening, three patients undergo unnecessary treatment.". Retrieved 2012-10-30.
  18. ↑ "2014 Science Communication Awards: The winning entries". Retrieved 2014-03-13.

External links