On Thursday 1 October 2026, we marked the start of Breast Cancer Awareness Month with an evening dedicated to the history, treatment and future of breast cancer care. Four specialists from across Scotland shared how far care has come over the centuries, how patients are treated today, and the simple steps everyone can take to stay breast aware. Alongside the talks, charities, nurses and support organisations were on hand to answer questions and offer practical advice.
Why We Hosted This Event
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, and almost everyone will know someone it has affected. The Museum collections tell part of that story, showing how surgeons understood and treated the disease long before modern medicine. We wanted to connect that history with the present day, giving people the chance to hear directly from the clinicians shaping care now and to find out where support is available.
The evening was led by Miss Beatrix Elsberger, Consultant Breast Surgeon at NHS Grampian, in collaboration with Surgeons' Hall Museum, and was organised by Jordanna Kielty O'Neill, the Heritage Events Lead.
Meeting the Experts in the Galleries
The Museum doors opened at 6:30pm and guests were invited into the Lower Pathology galleries to engage with information stalls and speak with experts before the talks began.
Visitors were able to meet experts from:
Breast Cancer Now, the UK's breast cancer research and support charity, represented by Sheena Nimmo and Claire Anne.
Breast care nurses Kate Shaw, Vicky McCallum and Nataleigh McGonagle, who support patients through diagnosis, treatment and recovery.
The House of Hope, Scotland's first dedicated breast cancer support and wellbeing centre, based in Edinburgh, who shared information about their holistic therapies, wellbeing sessions and practical support for anyone affected by breast cancer and their families.
Experts in the Galleries
The Talks
The talks took place in the Playfair Hall and moved from the past to the present, finishing with practical advice for the future.
The history of breast cancer: how has it changed over the centuries?
Surgeons’ Hall, Human Remains Conservator, Cat Irving opened the evening with a look at breast cancer surgery before modern medicine, from Frances Burney's mastectomy without anaesthetic in 1811 to Joseph Lister's antiseptic operation on his sister in 1867. She also showed how Edinburgh's discovery of chloroform, along with the arrival of radiotherapy and chemotherapy, transformed treatment.
Early-stage breast cancer surgery: only two types of operations?
Rebecca Swan, Specialty Registrar in Breast Surgery at NHS Lothian, explained the surgical options for early-stage breast cancer and how decisions about surgery are made for each patient.
After a short interval, guests returned to the galleries to revisit the stalls and continue their conversations.
Oncological treatments in breast cancer: is it a pick and choose?
Dr Sophie Barrett, Consultant Medical Oncologist at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, gave an overview of the treatments used alongside surgery, such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy and hormone therapy, and how these are tailored to the individual.
Checking yourself and being breast aware
Miss Beatrix Elsberger closed the evening with practical guidance on how to check your breasts, what changes to look out for, and why seeing a GP early matters.
Presentations
Thank You
We would like to thank all of the speakers, the Breast Cancer Now team, the breast care nurses, and House of Hope for sharing their time and expertise. Thank you also to everyone who came along, asked questions and shared their own experiences. Whether you joined us because of a personal connection, a professional interest or simple curiosity, your presence made this a truly special evening.
Find Support and Keep in Touch
If you have noticed a change in your breasts, please speak to your GP.
For information and support, visit the Breast Cancer Now website at breastcancernow.org.
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