In October, we hosted our annual Cancer Insights Panel Social at Barts Cancer Institute in London which was a hybrid event. Those invited to attend were current and former members of our Cancer Insights Panels and Inclusion in Involvement Steering Group.
Our Cancer Insights Panels are made up of people affected by cancer who provide feedback on a variety of projects across the charity through online surveys or virtual meetings. They’ve been pivotal in shaping projects throughout Cancer Research UK. From our Life Beyond Cancer Hub, launch of C-Further, the development of our genomics policy position to Cancer Research UK for Children & Young People brand refresh.
The Inclusion in Involvement Steering Group was set up in July 2023. They’ve consulted on projects relating to equality, diversity, inclusion and health inequalities. They’ve also worked closely with our team to make patient involvement more inclusive, so we’re able to engage and support a wider diversity of voices and experiences in our work.
We invited our members to come together at Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, to recognise their contributions and provide them with an opportunity to connect with other members and find out more about cancer research. We were delighted to welcome 33 members in person with other members attending the event online.
They heard from world-leading cancer researchers; Director of Barts Cancer Institute, Professor Nitzan Rosenfeld, who spoke about ‘What does it take to make breakthroughs in cancer research’. This was followed by a presentation from Professor Frances Balkwill on the effects of the environment around cancer cells inside our bodies. Our last speaker, Becca Drake, RadNet PhD student, spoke about how targeting blood vessels can help improve responses to treatment with radiotherapy.
All three sessions included an opportunity for members to ask questions, both in person and online. In-person attendees also to part in lab tours and had time to connect and network with each other.
All three sessions included an opportunity for members to ask questions, both in person and online. In-person attendees also to part in lab tours and had time to connect and network with each other.
After saying farewell to those joining from home, members had a further opportunity to informally socialise, and join us for an evening meal at Pizza Express.
