Annual Cancer Insights Panel Social Event

cancer insights panel group shot of members

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I'm so pleased to be part of Cancer Research UK. It is helping with my cancer acceptance, even though I'm fortunate to be clear as it motivates and gives me energy to support others both on a local and national level. Thank you very much for all you do, you go above and beyond in making people feel relaxed, welcome and most of all valued.

The day didn't meet my expectations - it smashed them out if the park, exceeded all expectations. Happiness and friendliness from Barts and Cancer Research UK staff shone through. It was a very welcoming event, and you could tell the time and effort taken to plan the day for us all.

Last month 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.

invited guests

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.

Coming together

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.

Learning more about cancer

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.

‘The tours were brilliant, it's so nice that they were happy to show us round AND inside their labs. Seeing the mini tumour in person was amazing.

Fran was amazing and perfect at getting the science across to us. She is amazing at creating the next generation of scientists. Becca’s research is brilliant and she has so much more to do. What a brilliant idea and a perfect example of how consenting to research will help scientists for years to come.

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.