Involvement news and storiesInvolvement news and stories
Involving people affected by cancer in shaping our genomics policy work
The Cancer Research UK Policy Development team have been working on a policy statement to inform government and health leaders about the use of genomics in cancer care now and in the future. At the early stages of this project you were consulted to gather a picture of what you understand about genomics and share your experience.
Helping us to understand the role of carers
The Health Information team wanted to gather the experiences of unpaid carers and the barriers they face. You helped them to understand the role of unpaid carers in helping those they look after to access and understand health information about cancer.
Annual Involvement Members Social Event
In October, we hosted our annual Cancer Insights Panel Hybrid Social. This event was to recognise member contributions, provide an opportunity to connect with other members and learn more about cancer research.
Shaping the Annual Supporter Update 2024
In September, we launched this year’s Annual Supporter Update (ASU), which highlights our research achievements from the past financial year and demonstrates the progress we’ve made. Prior to publication, you were invited to share your feedback on this year’s report via a survey.
Creating more inclusive imagery
Over the past year, the Cancer Insight Panels have played a key role in supporting the Strategic Evidence team’s Inclusive Imagery project. The project started back in October 2022. Its goal was to create a bank of diverse, culturally sensitive photography that portrayed key moments in cancer screening and symptom investigation for use across our public, patient, and health professional content.
A new Patient Involvement Panel for our clinical trial governance
The Centre for Drug Development (CDD) takes new drugs into early-phase clinical trials. They strive to design trials with the help and feedback of people affected by cancer to improve the experience for future participants. The team wanted to build on existing activities and develop ways for people affected by cancer to influence trial governance.
Supporting the Growth of Cancer Awareness in the Workplace
The Cancer Awareness in the Workplace programme works with companies across the UK to support employees to reduce their risk of cancer and take positive action for their health.
Meet Victor
"I wanted to use my experience as a patient, and supporter for my daughter during her treatment, to help Cancer Research UK improve treatment and care, earlier diagnosis, and prevention of cancer."
Meet Steve
"I was looking for a way to do some meaningful involvement work following retirement from the NHS a few years ago and saw that Cancer Research UK was recruiting to their online panel."
Meet Andrew
"The patient involvement team makes the process of being involved with the group easy. You feel that you’re making a real difference. We’re a diverse group in age, backgrounds, and of course cancer journeys."
Meet Bettina
"I’ve seen change recently, particularly in Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion, where Cancer Research UK is putting people like me at the heart of how it works. It’s an amazing organisation, however, without the voice and experiences of ALL people affected by cancer, the whole story isn’t told."
Meet Faaria
"As a member of a minority community, I know that sometimes we’re not heard. It’s important to speak on behalf of those that are not able to do for themselves, for whatever reason."
Meet Ellen
"When I heard about the Cancer Research UK for Children & Young People Insights Panel, I knew instantly that I wanted to be part of it. For me, it’s important to give something back and be able to share my experiences and my voice in future projects and research."