Abreast is a small charity, but has the huge role in supporting ground-breaking research work which will improve the quality of life of breast cancer patients. With significant improvements in breast cancer survival, women’s quality of life is increasingly relevant.

Data from the clinical trials within the research has concluded, so far, that chemotherapy suppresses quality of life, whereas neither the type of breast reconstruction nor the addition of radiotherapy significantly affects the patient’s quality of life.

I have presented details of these trials at various conferences throughout the year and for further information about the results click on “Results of Research”. My work on this subject will continue for several years and I am currently involved with the next stage of the trials, which is called QUEST. In simple terms, QUEST will compare various types of breast reconstruction, to determine which of them affects a patient’s quality of life.

We have also developed a DVD to aid patients’ understanding of these trials and to complement the Patient Information Sheet, which is based on the experiences of patients and  healthcare professionals. Your help is very important to us and every donation to Abreast is most gratefully received. Although it is not possible to mention all our supporters in the Newsletter, I do wish to thank Metcalfes Solicitors in particular, who raised £8,579.68 for Abreast as their chosen charity and has selected Abreast for a second year. What a wonderful contribution to our cause!

Also the Healthy Back Bag Company with whom we have a long-standing and special relationship – so thank you to them for choosing Abreast as their charity.

Once again I thank you all so much for your ongoing support and for your interest in Abreast.

I wish you, and all those you hold dear, a very happy Christmas.
Dr Zoë Winters, PhD (Oxon), FRCS (Edin), FCS (SA)

To download our December newsletter please click here