Julia Lopez MP has welcomed a positive response from the Department of Health and Social Care following her calls for greater investment into understanding lobular breast cancer. Julia has been engaging with Ministers and officials on behalf of Havering supporters of the Lobular Moon Shot Project (LMSP), which campaigns for more research into this understudied form of breast cancer.
In a letter to Mrs Lopez, Ashley Dalton MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Public Health and Prevention, expressed sympathy at the passing of Dr Susan Michaelis, founder of the LMSP, and recognised her vital contribution to raising awareness of lobular breast cancer and the need for more targeted research.
The Minister confirmed that following a meeting between the LMSP team and the Secretary of State for Health, steps have been taken to bring campaigners and leading scientists together to build a stronger understanding of lobular breast cancer biology. This work aims to shape viable research proposals that can secure funding from the UK’s leading research bodies.
Officials from the Medical Research Council (MRC) and the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) have already offered guidance to the LMSP team to improve the likelihood of a successful funding application. Research funding will be allocated based on the quality and potential impact of proposals.
Julia welcomed this development, saying:
“I am pleased that the Government is taking steps to bring campaigners and researchers together to address the gap in understanding lobular breast cancer. These conversations are an important part of unlocking the funding and research needed to make real progress for patients.
“This is an important issue for many families across the Hornchurch & Upminster constituency. Many people know someone with personal experience of breast cancer, be that a loved one, friend, or themselves. This is an encouraging step for those who are, and will be, affected by this type of breast cancer.”
