New breast cancer unit takes shape as part of Boudicca Appeal

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the N&N Hospitals Charity is marking the occasion by encouraging people to support the Boudicca Breast Cancer Appeal which is approaching its second anniversary.

The annual campaign aims to increase awareness of the disease and highlight the importance of breast awareness, education and research.

The £800,000 Boudicca Appeal to create a dedicated breast cancer unit at NNUH has raised more than £400,000 thanks to donations from members of the public, groups and businesses alike.

Two years on, the area is unrecognisable with new equipment already in place. This includes a Stereotactic mammography system which uses low-dose x-rays to help locate a breast abnormality and remove a tissue and is less invasive than surgical biopsy.

Also now being used is a Hologic LOCalizer guidance system so that very small breast cancers can be more accurately and less invasively identified during diagnosis and surgery, improving the patient’s experience and further reducing the need for multiple visits to hospital.

Matt Keeling, Deputy Divisional Operations Director (Surgery), said: “Having purchased the additional equipment required for the new clinic, we are now looking to create the new space for our patients and staff. The second phase will be all about creating a space that is supportive, welcoming and friendly for patients and relatives at what can be a very worrying time.”

“In recent months, we have been focused on our work with the Covid-19 pandemic and now we would like to focus on completing our Breast Cancer clinic and this is a fantastic way to kick start the appeal again.”

Arne Juette, Consultant Radiologist and Director of Breast Screening at NNUH, added: “We are so grateful for people helping us achieve our first goal to fundraise for this new, up-to-date equipment and we hope people will be inspired to see what they have helped to achieve is now making a real difference to our patients. The new equipment since its installation has allowed us to start offering a one stop shop service to all our referrals, compared to only two-thirds of patients who were receiving this service before Boudicca. This was one of the main aims of the appeal when we launched. We would urge everyone to help us complete the rest of the appeal.”

Among the biggest fundraisers have been the five Rotary Clubs of Norwich, along with the Desira Group and East Bilney Coachworks, which have raised more than £60,000 over the past year.

The Rotary Clubs are among those nominated in the upcoming Charity awards in recognition of their work to raise money for the appeal. This has included organising a charity ball, quiz, numerous local fundraising events, and the raffle of a car, provided by Desira and East Bilney Coachworks.

For more information about the Boudicca Appeal and how you can help, go to https://www.nnuhcharity.org.uk