Distinguished Oncologist Appointed Chair of Make 2nds Count

Secondary breast cancer charity Make 2nds Count has appointed internationally-renowned oncologist Professor David Cameron as chairman of their trustees.

The Edinburgh-based academic has a reputation which is globally recognised and chairs an umbrella group of 57 worldwide breast cancer trial groups.
He is currently a Professor of Oncology at Edinburgh University, works in NHS Lothian’s cancer centre treating breast cancer patients and was until recently the joint lead for the Edinburgh Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre.
Secondary breast cancer, also known as metastatic, advanced or stage IV breast cancer, is cancer that has spread beyond the breast to other parts of the body and is incurable. On average there are around 35,000 patients in the UK currently living with this form of the disease.

Prof Cameron says: “I am delighted and privileged to take on this role for an organisation that is doing such fantastic work supporting those affected by secondary breast cancer – and raising awareness of this form of the disease which remains largely unknown by most people.
“Our determination to seek improvements in treatments and promote appropriate trials is stronger than ever. Together we can demonstrate to patients and their families that it is possible to enhance the lives of those living with this disease and to give them hope during what is a very difficult and emotional time. There is so much yet to be achieved but this is a wonderful opportunity to work with a dynamic charity that is really making a difference.”

Emma Hall, Head of Operations for Make 2nds Count said: “We’re honoured to have Prof Cameron on board and thrilled to be working with a chairman with so much clinical and research experience in treating secondary breast cancer. We share a strong commitment to our patient community and a vision for how we can work together to bring hope to patients through greater awareness of the disease, more research and education.”

Prof Cameron, a Cambridge University mathematics graduate who subsequently completed a medical degree at St George’s Hospital Medical School, London, earned his MD with distinction from the University of Edinburgh in 1997.

In addition to his university and NHS roles, which included a spell as lead for systemic anti-cancer therapy in the region, he is to become a part-time deputy director in the Innovative Health Care Delivery Programme. The Scottish Government-funded initiative seeks to improve access to and enhance the use of routine data on cancer patients within NHS Scotland. He is also a Scottish Government R&D (CSO) clinical cancer research champion.

He is chair of the Brussels-based Breast International Group, vice-chair of the Oxford-based Early Breast Cancer Clinical Trialists’ steering group and active in several current clinical trials in breast cancer. Prof Cameron is also involved in numerous international breast cancer studies and is a member of several cancer research funding committees.

Make 2nds Count is a patient and family-focused charity dedicated to giving hope to women and men living with secondary breast cancer. Their mission is to fund secondary breast cancer research that contributes to advancing an increased quality of life for patients; establish a community that supports and educates patients and families affected by secondary breast cancer; inform and facilitate access to patient trials and increase overall awareness of secondary breast cancer.

For more information or support visit www.make2ndscount.co.uk/