Julia has welcomed an update from the Department of Health and Social Care following her recent representations on behalf of the Lobular Moonshot Project, a leading UK-based campaign working to transform outcomes for people with lobular breast cancer.
In October, Julia once again wrote to Ministers raising the concerns of the Project’s clinical and patient leadership team and pressing for stronger support across Government and its research bodies.
Lobular breast cancer accounts for around 15 percent of breast cancer cases in the UK, yet patient groups and clinicians have long argued that research into its biology, diagnosis and treatment is significantly underfunded compared with other forms of the disease.
The Department’s response confirms that both the Medical Research Council (MRC) and the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) are now engaged in developing the research landscape in this area and are committed to continuing their work with the Lobular Moonshot team.
In its update, the Department highlights several developments:
- Renewed commitment from the MRC and NIHR to support researchers working with the Lobular Moonshot Project and to help develop fundable proposals aimed at improving understanding, diagnosis and treatment.
- A collaborative approach, with researchers and stakeholders set to reconvene the Lobular Think Tank to build the interdisciplinary teams needed for strong, competitive bids.
- A partnership grant opportunity flagged by the MRC to support joint research activity and build a sustained portfolio of studies.
- Targeted support for researchers, including bespoke meetings and guidance through the NIHR Researcher Support Service.
- A new NIHR Highlight Notice, launched in November, specifically encouraging high-quality proposals on lobular breast cancer. This focuses on translational and applied health research such as diagnosis, treatment, follow-on care and patient experience.
Julia commented:
“I’m pleased to see concrete steps being taken across Government’s research bodies thanks to the campaign by the Lobular Moonshot Project. This campaign aims to ensure that their ambitions are fully understood and supported. The recent update marks a constructive step forward in the campaign and I hope that these developments lead to more progress.”
