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Olubukola Ayodele: Insights from the Secondary Breast Cancer Patient Summit

Olubukola Ayodele/LinkedIn

Jun 21, 2025, 01:08

Olubukola Ayodele: Insights from the Secondary Breast Cancer Patient Summit

Olubukola Ayodele, Consultant Medical Oncologist at the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, shared a post on LinkedIn:

“Just wrapped up a powerful and emotional few days at the Secondary Breast Cancer Patient Summit in Liverpool, hosted by the brilliant team at Make 2nds Count.

Yesterday, I had the chance to speak on clinical trials which is a topic I’m deeply passionate about. It was titled “How to speak to your oncologist about clinical trials”.

Despite advances in treatment, access to trials remains limited for people especially those living with secondary breast cancer. The “A Little Bit Written Off” report from Make 2nds Count found that only 23% of oncologists offer clinical trials to their patients. That number is disappointing and it’s something we need to address.

In my session, I focused on breaking down myths and facts, explaining trial types, what informed consent really means, and how to approach your oncology team with confidence and the right questions. It was about giving women the tools to advocate for themselves because access to information and options should not depend on where you live or who your doctor is.

Today, I joined a Q&A panel where we answered a wide range of questions submitted by participants both in the room and online. It was a reminder that there’s so much people want to understand, not just about treatment, but about navigating life with secondary breast cancer.

The energy in the room all through was something else. So many women living with metastatic disease, asking questions, sharing experiences, and supporting each other. There was honesty, frustration, humour, vulnerability, and strength. It was a space where no one had to explain their diagnosis or soften their reality. They were simply allowed to be and be heard. Engaging with patients in this way is essential. As oncologists, it’s easy to get caught up in clinic pressures, scan results, and treatment cycles. But these moments remind us why we do what we do. Listening, really listening to what matters to people living with this disease should always shape how we deliver care.

Hats off to Make 2nds Count for creating this space. For centering patient voices. For challenging the system. And for reminding all of us that advocacy, information, and compassion are just as important as drugs and protocols.”