Celebrating Breast Cancer Research Advances During Breast Cancer Awareness Month 

At the start of October, we hosted a night of lab tours and presentations from leading NHS Lothian researchers and clinicians. During the evening, we reflected on the incredible impact your generosity has made.

Yet long term survival is improving, with many people now living ten years or more. To mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we invited donors, supporters, colleagues, and patient advocates to an evening that celebrated generosity and the collective progress driven by awareness, funding, and collaboration. 

The event was organised both to say thank you and to channel the momentum of Awareness Month into action – raising the profile of early detection, better treatments, and enhanced patient care, and underlining the significant role of research.

Dr Frances Yuille, Consultant Clinical Oncologist and Chair of the evening, shares her reflections: 

“From the moment guests arrived, the atmosphere was filled with warmth and purpose. The evening was our chance to say thank you to everyone who has given time, money, and passion to support the Edinburgh Breast Unit and the work of NHS Lothian Charity: Breast Cancer Institute (BCI). That support is not just appreciated; it is transformative. Awareness month sharpens conversations, converts attention into action, and reminds us why fundraising and engagement matter. 

“The evening gave us the opportunity to share updates on our current projects – from lab-based research tackling treatment resistance to international training events that position Edinburgh as a hub for breast cancer expertise and improvements to patient spaces and clinical infrastructure. Everyone in the Breast Cancer Institute was truly overwhelmed by the incredible turnout. It was wonderful to see so many familiar faces, as well as some new ones. 

“We heard from an inspiring lineup of speakers who showcased the breadth and depth of BCI-funded work: 

Oliver Young, Clinical Director, shared how donor support has enhanced the Edinburgh Breast Unit at the Western General Hospital – improving comfort, capacity, and care for patients. 

Professor Peter Hall offered insights into the health economics behind our initiatives, helping us understand the cost-effectiveness of innovations in patient care. 

Charlene Kay, a BCI-funded PhD student, spoke movingly about her research journey and the impact of donor-funded education. 

Professor David Cameron highlighted the clinical trials we’ve supported, including SUPREMO and the Scottish Conservation Trial, which are shaping the future of breast cancer treatment. 

“Each presentation highlighted what we can achieve when research, clinical excellence, and community support come together. 

“As we closed the evening, I was struck by the sense of shared commitment in the room. From donors, researchers, clinicians, and patient advocates, everyone’s involvement plays a vital role in moving breast cancer care forward. Together, we are building a future where breast cancer care is more compassionate, more effective, and more hopeful. 

“On behalf of the whole team, thank you for joining us and being part of this journey. We hope you enjoyed the opportunity to learn more about the work of the BCI and the impact we strive to make. And we look forward to continuing to work with you and welcoming you again soon.”

The Breast Cancer Institute (BCI) is a part of NHS Lothian Charity that supports the Edinburgh Breast Unit at the Western General Hospital. The BCI funds education, equipment, research, clinical infrastructure, and projects that improve patient experience and outcomes beyond standard NHS provision. It supports and collaborates on clinical trials and long-term research studies that inform treatment and care, and has helped deliver findings such as benefits of targeted radiotherapy and insights into chest wall irradiation effects. The BCI raises funds to enable innovation, training, and improvements to the patient environment, and offers grants for projects and research designed to change and save lives. Generous donors support the BCI’s work, which aims to translate research into better, evidence-based care for people affected by breast cancer across the region.