Honorary graduates

2017

Rose Thompson - Director of BME Cancer Communities

Honorary Degree of Doctor of Social Science in recognition of her significant contribution to BME community engagement in preventative cancer care

Rose ThompsonBeginning as a radiotherapist, then radiographer at superintendent grade, Rose Thompson has over 40 years’ experience in cancer services.  Due to this, Rose was invited to become the national Black and Minority Ethnic Cancer Information Specialist at Europe’s leading cancer information and support charity, Cancerbackup (now integrated with Macmillan Cancer Support). Rose is currently a member of the Advisory Committee on Breast Cancer Screening and an adviser and trustee for Can-Survive UK.

Rose is an influential advocate for people affected by cancer, particularly where there is family history, since becoming the fifth member of her family to be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015.

Rose has authored two reports on high prostate cancer inequalities (including higher death rates) in black men, which were launched in the House of Commons between 2013 and 2014. The reports triggered a national campaign which raised awareness and developed the Check Tings Out community clinic in Nottingham.

Rose continues to develop supportive services in the community, the latest project being the Sistas Against Cancer support group alongside being a Peer Patient Champion for the 100,000 Genomes Project and the director of the
BME Cancer Communities.