What we do
We are interested in breast cancer at all levels and we focus our research in the three areas below.
Detect it early
Diagnosing breast cancer early gives women the best chance of survival. Our experts are working to develop a blood test to detect breast cancer, identifying the natural antibodies we produce in response to the first cancer cells developing.
The team have already developed the world's first blood test to detect lung cancer. Recent pilot results for the breast cancer test are very positive, and further research is now underway.
Stop the spread
Breast cancer kills, particularly when it spreads around the body in the lymphatic system - a process called metastasis. We are investigating ways to stop this process in its tracks.
Our experts have pinpointed particular proteins - called Calpains - that are linked to this process. They are now using this insight to help make treatments more effective, including testing novel drugs developed here in Nottingham.
Treat it right
There are many different types of breast cancer. Treatments that specifically target one type create fewer side effects than conventional chemotherapy and can be used for longer.
'Triple Negative Breast Cancer' is an aggressive form for which no targeted treatment currently exists. Our experts have identified a weakness in how these cells grow. They are now developing drugs which exploit this weakness, killing the cells or making them more responsive to treatment.
Lab Tours
In addition to the Awareness Day we can also arrange lab tours throughout the year for small groups who would like to find out more about NBCRC. To add your name to a list or to organise a tour for your group please contact us on the email below.
Patient Support Group
The NBCRC Patient Support Group meets regularly online, providing a community for members who actively support the centre through various initiatives. Members contribute to the centre's research efforts by assisting with pilot grant applications and organising fundraising activities that directly benefit NBCRC's important work.
If you would like to be involved in the Patient Support Group, please email our administrator Faylisha by email, nbcrc@nottingham.ac.uk.
Courageous Conversations
This is a powerful series featuring candid discussions with women from the NBCRC Patient Support Group who have personally experienced breast cancer. These intimate conversations provide insight, inspiration, and authentic perspectives on the breast cancer journey.
Life after radiotherapy and chemotherapy, what is next and what medical teams don't often tell you.
How has your cancer journey reshaped your family bonds and community connections?
Annual Awareness Day
Each year, NBCRC hosts a powerful public breast cancer awareness event within the community. Attendees can hear from leading specialists about cutting-edge breast cancer research happening right here in Nottingham, listen to inspiring breast cancer patients sharing their personal journeys and experiences, and explore our state-of-the-art research facilities through a lab tour.
This event provides a rare opportunity to connect with researchers, understand the latest advances in breast cancer research, and gain insights directly from those at the forefront of our fight against this disease.
John Lewis & Partners Fashion Show 2024
John Lewis & Partners Nottingham hosted a fundraising fashion show during Breast Cancer Awareness Month on 26th October 2024. The event raised over £1,700. The money will go towards supporting the Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre’s (NBCRC) research.
The evening involved University staff and students modelling some of the retailers’ newest fashions. Everyone who attended also received a goody bag filled with luxury beauty products from John Lewis.
Stewart Martin, Professor of Cancer and Radiation Biology, and Director of the NBCRC at the University, said: “Over 56,000 women and around 390 men are diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK every year. In the last 40 years, the 10-year survival rate for breast cancer has doubled from 40 per cent to over 80 per cent, but this means that there is still 20 per cent of people who will not survive. That’s one in five. We are doing things right, but there is still a lot to do.
"Fundraising such as this is essential to what we do. Through the generous support from our donor community, we have already awarded 11 research pilot grants to help us improve our understanding of breast cancer and develop innovative therapies.”
Jess Faflik, Community Liaison coordinator, John Lewis Nottingham said: "We were thrilled to work with the team from the Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre and highlight their vital work. The show was a celebration of courage, and it was an inspiring and joyful event to bring to our shop."
To find out more about the event, you can read the University of Nottingham newstory - https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/news/scientists-and-fashion-join-forces-to-tackle-breast-cancer
St. Peter's Square Outrearch - 2023
Nottingham Breast Cancer Researchers volunteered at St. Peters Square 9th October 2023, raising £430 for critical breast cancer research. The team engaged warmly with the public, who generously shared their personal stories and showed strong support for the cause. The team was led by Sarah Storr, Assistant Professor in Cancer Sciences at the Univserity of Nottingham.
'Breast Cancer and Me' Art Exhibition - 2022
'Breast Cancer and Me' took place at the Angear Visitor Centre at Lakeside Arts on University Park during Breast Cancer Awareness Month 8th- 30th Octobber 2022.
Carol Pairaudeau, the administrator of the Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre (NBCRC) at the University of Nottingham, has curated the exhibition. Carol is also a former breast cancer patient and professional artist.
The exhibition raised awareness of breast cancer through imaginative, sensitive and thought-provoking pieces. Drawing on personal experience, 15 artists have been invited to take part and present their experiences of breast cancer through a range of visual pieces.
The exhibition allowed visitors to look at breast cancer through creative expression, bringing to attention individual stories of lives affected and changed by breast cancer.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK where 1 in every 7 women will develop this terrible disease. This equates to around 150 women a day. It is a sad reality that everyone is likely to know someone that will develop breast cancer. Research into breast cancer has made real progress and nearly two-thirds of those who are diagnosed now survive. However, incidence rates for breast cancer are projected to rise 2% by 2035 and there continues to be a real need to continue our research and increase awareness of breast cancer.
Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre (NBCRC) at the University of Nottingham together with the Breast Cancer Art Project arranged this group art exhibition to run during breast cancer awareness month (October 2022)
Find out more about this event by reading the University of Nottingham news story
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