Breast Cancer Information and Support Day

A free event for Whittington Health and UCLH service users who are receiving treatment, or received treatment, for breast cancer. Join us and hear from expert clinicians, learn practical and evidence-based advice on living well, and connect with other local people.

Taking place at Whittington Hospital's Education Centre. 

Agenda

12:00 PM: Doors Open: Registration, Lunch, Stalls and Networking (Room B9)

Arrive early to enjoy a light lunch, meet other patients and the clinical teams, and explore information stalls from local and national cancer support services. 

1:00 – 1:10 PM: Welcome and Opening Remarks (Rooms B1 & B2)

A warm welcome and introduction to the day’s themes and purpose: to share knowledge, answer questions, and empower people living with and beyond breast cancer.

Speakers: Dr Clare Dollery, Chief Medical Officer and Deputy Chief Executive Officer, WH, Gemma Ingram-Adams, Lead Cancer Nurse, WH & Lallita Carballo, Lead Cancer Nurse, UCLH

1:10 – 1:40 PM: Your Breast Cancer Care Pathway – From Diagnosis to Life After Treatment (Rooms B1 & B2)

An easy-to-follow overview of the breast cancer care pathway across UCLH and Whittington Health: who’s in your team, what to expect at each stage, and how services work together to support you.

Speakers: Dr Emma Spurrell, Consultant Medical Oncologist, WH, Mr Dibendu Betal, Consultant Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon, UCLH & Anne McLoughlin, Lead Clinical Nurse Specialist, Breast Care, UCLH.

1:40 – 2:15 PM: Breakout Sessions (Ask the experts)

Choose the session that’s right for you to ask questions and hear from your specialist team.

• Early Breast Cancer Stream (Rooms B1 & B2): Breast Cancer Surgery & What Happens Next. Learn what to expect before, during, and after surgery, including recovery tips, onward treatment and managing side effects, and support for lymphoedema. Panel: Ms Mahwash Babar (Chair, Consultant Breast Surgeon, WH), Dr Diego Ottaviani, Consultant Medical Oncologist, UCLH, Tendai Mandhizha (Breast Cancer Nurse Specialist, WH), Carla Zanichelli Vives (Lymphoedema Specialist Physiotherapist, UCLH.
• Metastatic Breast Cancer Stream (Room B7): Living Well with Metastatic Breast Cancer. An update on the advances in metastatic breast cancer, practical advice and emotional support for living well with secondary breast cancer, including pain management, emotional wellbeing, and available services. Panel: Dr Elsa Papadimitraki (Chair, Consultant Medical Oncologist, UCLH), Lucie Petova (Breast Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist, UCLH), Jennifer Spears (Lead Palliative Clinical Nurse Specialist, WH), Tracey Palmer (Macmillan Information Manager).

2:15 – 2:35 PM Coffee break & walk around stalls (Room B9)

Take a break and explore helpful resources, charities, and support networks.

2:35 – 3:15 PM: Eating Well, Staying Active & Thriving Through Treatment (Rooms B1 & B2)

Practical, evidence-based tips on nutrition and exercise during and after breast cancer treatment, plus strategies for maintaining strength, energy, and mental wellbeing.

Speakers: Professor Robert Thomas, Consultant Oncologist & Head of Integrative Oncology Royal London Hospital for Integrated Medicine & Matilda Stilitz, Oncology Physiotherapist, WH.

3:15 – 3:55 PM: Managing menopause symptoms in breast cancer (Rooms B1 & B2)

Guidance on managing hot flushes, joint aches, sleep problems, and other side effects brought on by cancer treatment – with practical solutions to help you feel more in control.

Speakers: Dr Karen DeSouza, Consultant Medical Oncologist UCLH & WH, Liz Tee, Breast Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist, UCLH, & Sarah Litchfield, Breast Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist, WH.

3:55 – 4:15 PM Coffee break & walk around stalls (Room B9)

Another chance to connect with other attendees and visit information stands.

4:15 PM – 4:45 PM: Breast Cancer Research – What’s New & How You Can Get Involved (Rooms B1 & B2)

A look at the latest breakthroughs in breast cancer research, ongoing clinical trials, and opportunities for patients to help shape future care.

Speakers: Dr Rebecca Roylance, Consultant Medical Oncologist, UCLH and Kathryn Simpson, Head of Research, Whittington Health.

4:45 – 4:50 PM: Breast Cancer Now Patient Information and Signposting

Speaker: Elizabeth Lydon, Service Pledge Manager, Breast Cancer Now.

4:50 – 5:00 PM: Closing remarks & Feedback (Rooms B1 & B2)

A summary of the day, reflections from the team, and an invitation to share feedback to improve future events.

Speakers: Gemma Ingram-Adams, Lead Cancer Nurse, WH & Lallita Carballo, Lead Cancer Nurse, UCLH

BOOKED SESSIONS:

Room B6: Look Good Feel Better (Hands-on beauty workshop to enhance appearance and confidence, led by trained volunteers, with practical tips and a supportive group setting.)

Room B8: Psychosexual therapy (Counselling focused on intimacy, body image, and emotional wellbeing following treatment.)

Room B10: Future Dreams (Holistic support via workshops and therapy—covering emotional, practical, and lifestyle guidance throughout the breast cancer journey.)