Experts from the University of Nottingham have joined forces with high street retailer John Lewis to host a charity fashion show, with all proceeds going towards funding vital research into tackling breast cancer.
The fashion show, which was hosted during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in the Nottingham city store of John Lewis, raised over £1700. 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.
The NBCRC was launched in 2018, it brings together over 100 scientists, researchers and clinicians who are battling against the disease. The centre focuses on three key areas: Detect it Early, Stop the Spread, and Treat it Right.
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."
This year's pilot grant awardees are Professor Alan McIntyre, whose research will focus on investigating the molecular profiles of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) brain metastases. TNBC is the most difficult-to-treat form of breast cancer, and nearly half of advanced TNBC patients develop deadly brain metastases.
Dr Cinzia Allegrucci, whose research will focus on overcoming secondary breast cancer with novel combinations with new epigenetic therapies. Secondary breast cancer is the main cause of breast cancer deaths.
Nottingham already has a long and successful history when it comes to researching breast cancer, the Nottingham Grading System was developed by Professor Ellis and colleagues at the University and is instrumental in understanding the aggressiveness of breast cancer diagnosis through accurate ranking criteria. This system is acknowledged as the international gold standard for histological classification and is recommended by the World Health Organisation and other key health organisations.
The Nottingham Prognostic Index was also developed in the 1980s by dedicated researchers at the University who were determined to improve patient prognostic outcomes. Through this breakthrough, we now have more accurate personalised therapy plans and improved patient outcomes across the world.
Professor Martin adds: "The Nottingham Grading System and the Nottingham Prognostic Index are globally adopted standards in breast cancer care, saving countless lives through more effective treatments and accurate prognosis, whilst also fuelling further innovations in breast cancer research and care."
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."
