Dundee Professor to head Breast Cancer Campaign Scientific Advisory Board

Professor of Surgical Oncology Alastair Thompson has been appointed Chair of the Scientific Advisory Board of Breast Cancer Campaign (BCC) - the only charity that specialises in funding independent research into breast cancer throughout the UK.

The Charity funds research aiming to improve the diagnosis of breast cancer, better understanding of how it develops and ultimately either curing the disease or preventing it.

Professor Thompson, who is highly regarded in the field of breast cancer research, will lead the eighteen member high-profile board, made up of diverse and well respected UK experts in breast cancer. The primary function of the board is to review all of the applications that BCC receives for funding and to ensure that the funds are distributed to the highest quality research.

Professor Thompson succeeds Dr Stephen Johnston, of the Royal Marsden Hospital, London, who led the Board for three years.

Professor Thompson said, "I cannot stress the importance of breast cancer research enough. It forms the backbone of all the improvements we have seen for patients with breast cancer over the last twenty years. As Chair I will ensure the Breast Cancer Campaign continues to fund only the best research undertaken by the top scientists in the UK. Following on from Stephen Johnston's excellent leadership, I also hope to further strengthen the Breast Cancer Campaign's position within the breast cancer research community, as the charity to come to for funding for breast cancer research."

"This really is recognition for all the very good work done by the multidisciplinary team working on breast cancer research in Dundee. We cover the whole spectrum here from research in the lab to large-scale patient trials for which we receive tremendous support from the public."

Pamela Goldberg, Chief Executive of BCC says, "We are delighted to be starting 2006 with Professor Thompson who we know will continue to take Breast Cancer Campaign forward with our vital breast cancer research. Alastair is a highly regarded clinician and scientist and also a skilled communicator who will be able to help us speak to our supporters and the media about the research that we are funding."