A study week for patient advocates to learn about the science behind research

In early September, four Patient Involvement Network members and Cancer Grand Challenges Advocacy Panel (CGCAP) members had the opportunity to attend a residential science study week hosted by the Independent Cancer Patients Voice at Barts Cancer Institute (BCI) in London.
Independent Cancer Patients Voice is a patient advocate group led by patients for patients. It brings the views and experiences of cancer patients, their families and carers, to the cancer research community. They believe clinical research is improved by patients being partners with clinicians and researchers, rather than passive recipients of health care.
The course had 16 attendees who spent the week immersed in the world of cancer research, focusing on lectures and lab practicals led by expert researchers. This is the first and currently only patient advocate training scheme of its kind in Europe. It aims to inform and empower advocates to contribute to patient-driven, patient-oriented improvements in clinical research.
The course is open to anyone who has personal experience of cancer, either directly or indirectly, or works for a cancer charity AND is already actively involved in cancer research through patient involvement or advocacy. Attendees didn’t need any understanding of cancer biology or have a science background to attend.
The course runs annually and is also an opportunity to meet like-minded patient advocates who will most likely remain contacts and perhaps friends for years to come.
Kathy and Gita are both members of our involvement network. Join and we’ll send you our fortnightly newsletter which lists all the latest opportunities to get involved, we're looking forward to working with you.