LONDON — Campaigners from the Lobular Moon Shot Project met with Lord Vallance and Minister Hodgson last week in London to urge the UK government to fund a £20 million research project into the basic biology of lobular breast cancer. The meeting, which also included government research funders, was held to discuss how best to progress research in the area.

Lobular breast cancer accounts for 15% of all breast cancer cases. It rarely forms a lump in the same way as other breast cancers, a characteristic that contributes to it being under-recognised and under-studied.

To coincide with the campaign, three separate silent vigils took place outside Downing Street, the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology, and the Department of Health and Social Care. At each location, 22 women gathered to highlight that 22 women in the UK are diagnosed with lobular breast cancer every day. The group outside Downing Street sang "You'll Never Walk Alone" in memory of the project founder Dr Susan Michaelis.

Katie Swinburne, who was diagnosed in 2023, had not heard of lobular breast cancer before her diagnosis and her mammogram was clear. She did not find a lump but noticed a slight change in her breast, and was diagnosed after undergoing an ultrasound and biopsy. She then underwent a treatment programme tailored for ductal breast cancer.

"We've known since the 70s that lobular breast cancer exists and is different, but it's been critically under-funded and under-researched," Swinburne said. "To have to go to the other end of the country to fight, to have your voice heard so that you have a treatment that's specific for your disease," she said. "Having to fight really hard and not being listened to is exhausting," she added.

Melissa Robinson, who was also diagnosed with lobular breast cancer in 2023, took part in one of the silent vigils. After surgery, she was found to have stage three lobular breast cancer and underwent four months of chemotherapy, oral therapy, and radiation.

"It's everybody's worst nightmare," Robinson said. "I assumed the lump I felt was a cyst and to be told you've got breast cancer was pretty heartbreaking," she said. Robinson said her participation in the campaign was motivated by a desire to help others. "I think it's an opportunity to do something positive," she said. "I thought it was a great way to give something back and try and help others and the future generation," she added. "It was a real shock," she said.

A government spokesperson confirmed the meeting with the Lobular Moon Shot Project had taken place last week. "We are determined to back research that could transform outcomes for patients," the spokesperson said. The national cancer plan prioritises research to improve patient outcomes and is accelerating the integration of scientific breakthroughs into the NHS to enable earlier diagnosis, more effective treatments, and improved quality of life.