The SuPPORT 4 All project, which is led by a team of health experts and designers from Sheffield Hallam, has been honoured in the UK’s Best Breakthroughs list of the last century for its pioneering work that aims to improve accuracy of treatment during radiotherapy. The accolade follows the development of a bra that allows accurate positioning of the breast during breast care treatment; which in turn, could help to reduce the radiotherapy dose received by organs such as the heart and lungs.

The UK’s best breakthrough list was compiled as part of the MadeAtUni campaign to change public perceptions of universities and bring to life the difference they make to people, lives and communities across the UK. This follows independent research undertaken by Britain Thinks which found that the public has little understanding of the benefits of universities beyond undergraduate teaching.

Speaking about the honour and the importance of the MadeAtUni campaign, Professor Roger Eccleston, Pro Vice-Chancellor for research and global engagement at Sheffield Hallam, said: “It is a fantastic achievement for the University to be featured in the UK’s Best Breakthrough list. We’re extremely proud of the work of our academics and the difference they are making"

“The MadeAtUni campaign is an incredibly important initiative for Sheffield Hallam as it allows students, alumni, the local community and the wider population to understand the work that we do and the impact it has.”

Apart from aiming to improve accuracy, the bra should also provide more dignity and modesty for women during their radiotherapy treatment, since, in the majority of radiotherapy centres worldwide, women are required to expose the affected breast during treatment. It may also remove the need for practitioners to rely on the use of permanent pin point tattoo marks and laser systems, which are usually a concern for patients.

Professor Heidi Probst, SuPPORT 4 All project lead, said "Every day around 150 women in the UK will be told they have breast cancer. Globally around 1.5 million women are diagnosed with the disease annually. So, with over 80% of women surviving breast cancer beyond five years, improving the delivery of treatments and reducing side effects for women living beyond their cancer could have a huge impact.”

To hear more from Professor Heidi Probst, and to find out about the progress of their work so far please click here.