The Cambridge Breast Unit (CBU)

Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in the UK affecting more than 1 in 9 women. Progress in understanding, diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer can only be achieved by a combination of clinical and laboratory research. Opened in 2000, the purpose built unit provides a world-class multidisciplinary team of specialists in radiology, surgery and reconstruction, pathology, oncology and cancer genetics to provide the most effective diagnosis and treatment for each individual patient.

Clinical research plays a vital role in the work of the CBU team. In the past they had to use facilities scattered throughout the hospital and this fragmented approach was inhibiting expansion of the research programme.

A £1.8 million appeal was launched by Addenbrooke's Charitable Trust to build and equip a purpose-built clinical and transitional research centre attached to the outpatient breast unit to bring research and the treatment of cancer together, under one roof. This unit officially opened in July 2008.

We would like to say a huge 'thank you' to everyone who made a donation in support of the appeal.

Continued fundraising for the unit

An additional £400,000 has now been raised to furnish and equip the purpose built labs and clinic rooms with high-tech diagnostic and medical equipment.

In addition to the support of a number of generous major donors, ACT coordinated a wide range of new and repeat events to raise the additional funding, which included the Pink Rose Dinner appeal, an open gardens event at Abbot's Ripton Hall and a wine tasting evening.

ACT will continue to channel day to day fundraising for the Unit to this appeal. Ensuring that the patients and staff of the Unit feel that they too are playing a vital role in supporting this project.

For more information on the Breast Unit see the Addenbrooke's Hospital website.