Cancer Research UK is committed to improving the quality of life for women with breast cancer. By raising money for research you can help us in our commitment to improving the quality of life for people with breast cancer and supporting them and their families.

Our research

Chemotherapy is often used to treat breast cancer but can sometimes damage the ovaries in women who have not been through the menopause. Cancer Research UK is funding a trial to find out if treatment with a specific type of hormone therapy can prevent this damage. This could help younger women with breast cancer maintain their fertility after treatment.

Other research is exploring new ways to help women with breast cancer cope with depression. And teams of researchers are also investigating ways to help younger women keep their fertility after treatment for the disease.

What we've achieved

In 2007, Cancer Research UK-funded scientists published the results of a trial to test whether aromatherapy massage, given alongside standard supportive care, can help relieve anxiety and depression in people with cancer.

The team found that the massage had significant benefits for up to two weeks after treatment. This is the first large-scale, scientific trial of complementary therapy in a healthcare setting.

In 2004, scientists funded by Cancer Research UK showed that gentle exercise could help to aid recovery from breast cancer. And in 2007, our scientists published results showing that group exercise programmes could also play an important part in the physical and psychological wellbeing of women with breast cancer.

Breast cancer survivor stories

Read inspirational real stories from women who have survived breast cancer.

Find out more

Download our special edition of the Cancer Research UK podcast, dedicated to breast cancer.