Prince Charles to open breast cancer centre

Published on Monday 2 June 2008 10:43

A PIONEERING new breast cancer research unit is to be officially opened this week by the charity's patron, Prince Charles.

The Breakthrough Breast Cancer Research Unit at the University of Edinburgh aims to improve breast cancer treatment and ensure that patients are treated in the most appropriate and effective way for their particular type of breast cancer.

The new research unit is based at University of Edinburgh laboratories, within the Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, and is sited next to the Western General Hospital's existing breast unit.

In Scotland, 4000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year, and the new centre will bring together some of the best Scottish-based scientists and doctors to develop a centre of excellence for world-class breast cancer research.

On Thursday, HRH the Prince of Wales will be given a guided tour of the facility, accompanied by its director, Professor David Harrison, and clinical head Mr Mike Dixon.

Mr Dixon said: "I am looking forward to explaining to His Royal Highness how our research will help to make a difference to thousands of women."