Gorvins Solicitors has donated £1400 to Wythenshawe based charity, Genesis Breast Cancer Prevention, after staff in its Stockport head office ran a year-long programme of fund-raising activities.
Genesis, the only UK charity entirely dedicated to the prediction and prevention of breast cancer, is a world-leading research centre and the money raised will support a pilot study testing an exciting new mammography technique called Digital Breast Tomosynthesis (DBT).
DBT provides a higher cancer detection rate in younger women and gives fewer false positives compared to conventional 2-D mammography. No published studies have examined the use of DBT for screening women less than 48 years of age.
This study will recruit around 2500 women aged 40–49 who are currently undergoing annual mammography because of a family history of breast cancer.
Angela Wrobel, corporate fundraiser for Genesis, said that data from the study will inform the design of future large studies that could potentially change clinical practice.
“This is a very important piece of research for this age group and we are entirely reliant on the generosity of supporters like Gorvins to get it done.”
Chris Mullaney from Gorvins’ Charity Committee said that the fundraising had been hugely varied and included dress down days, bake sales and the selling of Genesis branded materials over a 12 month period.
Chris said: “Focusing on breast cancer prevention and supporting Genesis gave us impetus and a goal to aim for. We are very pleased that the money will be used in such pioneering work.”
The leading law firm has also extended its cancer care links beyond fundraising.
Sarah Urmston, Associate Solicitor within the Gorvins employment team, provides pro bono advice to people who are battling cancer, or caring for family members who have the illness. She helps them understand where they stand legally about important issues such as time off, discrimination and dismissals from work.
“We make sure they know what their legal rights are so that they can concentrate on getting better. We also try and educate employers who can be as bewildered as everyone else when an employee is diagnosed with cancer. It’s an important area and affects a great many people.”
Gorvins intends to remain committed to supporting cancer research projects and offering legal advice throughout 2014.