News
The Prince of Wales pays tribute to Breast Cancer research
22nd June 2011
The Prince of Wales paid tribute to the work of a breast cancer research facility today, saying there was more to do to build a future free from the disease.
The Prince praised the vital work being carried out by scientists at the Breakthrough Toby Robins Breast Cancer Research Centre.
His Royal Highness was marking the site's 10th anniversary at a Clarence House reception for fundraisers including fashion presenter Caryn Franklin and Nina Barough, the founder of night-time charity power walk the MoonWalk.
The centre, based alongside the Royal Marsden Hospital in London, is the largest in Europe dedicated to Breast Cancer research.
The Prince told guests: "We have seen dramatic improvements in mortality and survival rates.
"However breast cancer is still the most common cancer in the UK and there is still more to do to build a future free from breast cancer."
He told how one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in their lives, adding: "I know so many who are developing or have developed this disease so it brings it home even more."
He added: "We still don't know all the causes of breast cancer - small wonder then that Breakthrough Breast Cancer's research work has become even more significant."
He joked how Ms Barough had raised millions of pounds but had yet to rope him into doing the MoonWalk, which women traditionally perform in their bras.
"All this without so far having persuaded me to march wearing an unmentionable piece of underwear at midnight," The Prince said.
Franklin, who is co-chair of the Fashion Targets Breast Cancer campaign, described how women's approach to breast cancer had changed so much in the last 15 years.
"Back in those days it was a real taboo subject. It was a real barrier talking about breast health," she said.
The centre's ongoing work includes the Breakthrough Generations Study involving 100,000 women - the largest, most comprehensive scientific study into the causes of the disease - and vital research into PARP inhibitors.