Yesterday evening, I had the privilege of attending an insightful symposium hosted by Europa Donna – The European Breast Cancer Coalition UK Forum, at the Medical Society of London. As a member of the Global Breast Cancer Care Council, this event was a continuation of my engagements during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, allowing me to dive deeper into crucial topics surrounding breast cancer care and advocacy.

The symposium focused on a particularly complex aspect of breast cancer: Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS). Titled “Breast Cancer: Ductal Carcinoma In Situ – Outcomes and Controversies,” the lecture explored the challenges and uncertainties of this early form of breast cancer. As many in the medical community know, DCIS is a non-invasive cancer that can pose difficult decisions regarding treatment due to its varied risk of progression.

The evening’s discussions were led by esteemed experts, including Professor Sarah Darby, Dr. Gurdeep Mannu, and Dr. Zhe Wang from the University of Oxford, whose research sheds light on the long-term risks of developing invasive breast cancer and mortality following a DCIS diagnosis. They also shared new insights into ongoing research aimed at clarifying these risks, which will ultimately help to shape more effective treatment strategies.

I was honoured to be invited to the event by my fellow Astra Zeneca Global Breast Cancer Care Council Member, Dr. Victoria Harmer, Consultant Nurse (Breast) at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, with the event chaired by Dr. Margaret Spittle OBE. The discussions emphasised the importance of understanding DCIS better to offer patients the most informed treatment options.

One of the symposium’s standout themes was the vital role of patient navigation in breast cancer care. At the Wellbeing Foundation Africa, we strongly support this approach in alignment with the World Health Organization Patient Navigation for Early Detection, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Breast Cancer: Technical Brief. Patient navigation programs are essential in guiding individuals through complex healthcare systems, ensuring they access timely screenings, diagnoses, and treatment options—an especially critical component for conditions like DCIS, where early detection can greatly influence outcomes.

Europa Donna continues to champion improved treatment standards, patient care, and professional training across Europe. Their advocacy for increased research funding and policies tailored to the specific needs of breast cancer patients aligns with our mission at the Wellbeing Foundation Africa. Together, we support the goal of reducing disparities in care and providing personalised support for women navigating their breast cancer journeys.

As we move forward in Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2024, I remain inspired by the collective efforts of these organisations and experts working to advance breast cancer care and research globally.