| Anna Segatti | Andrea Stuart | Ann Pearce-Ross | Berny Kane | Norma Hayter | Dr Avon's |

Anna Segatti
President of Avon UK & Ireland and breast cancer survivor

"I was first diagnosed with breast cancer in September 2000 after a small lump was found during a routine check. I had to have a mastectomy and three months of chemotherapy. Having breast cancer made me realise that I was lot more vulnerable than I thought. Suddenly, I had to face the possibility that my life could end sooner than I thought. I chose to remain optimistic for my family - especially my 16 year old daughter, who was at a difficult age to take in something so big."

"In the long run, it has certainly put things in to perspective for me. I now relax more and look at things in a positive manner. The Avon Breast Cancer Crusade is especially close to my heart. I am incredibly proud to work for a company that is so active in the fight against breast cancer. I am determined to make a difference and spare more women from this horrible experience by information, prevention and cure."

Andrea Stuart
Avon associate and breast cancer survivor

"In Oct 2007 I was very lucky to have the opportunity to meet 48 breast cancer survivors from across the world in New York City. The most poignant part of it all was that it doesn't matter where you come from, what sort of lifestyle you have, how rich or how poor you are...Breast cancer can hit anyone and the more positive you are about the situation the better everyone around you accepts and supplies the necessary support that is needed.

Self examination is a must and must be done on a regular basis and the importance of mammograms is paramount. My first mammogram was clear but my second within a two year period was positive so it is vital to have routine mammograms when advised."

Ann Pearce-Ross
Avon Area Manager, breast cancer survivor and active fundraiser

"I have always taken my health for granted throughout my life. It was a complete shock to find a lump in my left breast. The initial diagnosis was that my lump was just a cyst, but then a mammogram was scheduled as a double check. Then breast cancer was diagnosed, but on the opposite side! Without the lump the cancer would not have been found at that stage and potentially this could have presented a much bigger problem. Not a day goes by when I don't think about it. It's only when you go through something like breast cancer that you find a real purpose in fundraising to help find a cure. So, that's what my husband and I spend a lot of our spare time doing. Last year we raised over £7,000 between us."

I love supporting our Crusade as it allows ordinary people to really make a difference to other people's lives. Whether it's buying Avon products or organising events to raise money ANYONE can take part and try to raise the profile of this worthwhile cause.

Norma Hayter
Active fundraiser

"Norma says "The Avon Breast Cancer Crusade supports such a worthwhile cause and I am always looking for new ways to fundraise. I was able to visit the Breakthrough Research Centre 4 years ago and was delighted to see how my fundraising contributes to the work carried out there. I am very proud to work for a company that is so committed to this key women's issue."

Dr Avons

Avon, through the Crusade, donates money to the Breakthrough Research Centre and funds five scientists, fondly called Dr Avons. The Breakthrough Research Centre carries out cutting edge biological research to find out the causes of breast cancer, discover more effective ways to diagnose and prevent it, and develop new treatments.

Dr Hartmut Kristeleit

Dr Kristeleit has treated patients in a number of London hospitals, and has spent the past three years as a scientist at the Breakthrough Research Centre.

Dr Kristeleit says:
"Thanks to Avon, I've been supported by some of the world's best breast cancer researchers for the last 3 years. I know that the work I've done will have lasting consequences, helping in our search to develop new, targeted treatments for women with breast cancer."

The science bit:
Dr Kristeleit has been investigating the function of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, which are linked to hereditary breast cancer. Faults in these genes are associated with around 5% of all breast cancers. Excitingly, he has found several chemicals that appear to selectively kill cells containing faults in BRCA genes, and hopes this will lead to the development of new, targeted treatments.

Dr Susie Banerjee

Dr Banerjee is working towards her PHD at the research centre. She previously treated cancer patients at The Royal Marsden Hospital.

Dr Banerjee says:
"It's fantastic that by buying Avon products people are helping to fund such important work. I'm incredibly grateful to Avon, the Avon Representatives and their customers for giving me this opportunity."

The science bit:
Dr Banerjee is particularly interested in hormone-dependent breast cancers, which rely on the presence of the female hormone oestrogen for their growth and survival. She hopes to find crucial molecules that can be used to develop new treatments in the future.

Dr Kai-Keen Shiu

Dr Shiu is a highly trained cancer doctor, with an interest in molecular oncology and pathology - the study of molecules such as DNA and proteins in disease.

Dr Kai-Keen Shiu says:
"What I admire about Avon is that they are a company with a large base of staff, Representatives and customers who are very interested in improving breast cancer care from every aspect, and I'm all for that."

The science bit:
Dr Kai-Keen Shiu is focusing on a type of breast cancer called HER2 positive, which accounts for around one in five of all breast cancer cases. Dr Shiu is investigating why resistance to drugs used to treat this cancer can sometimes happen. He hopes his research will help to develop new ways to treat patients with HER2 positive breast cancer.

Dr Juanita Lopez

Dr Lopez is a cancer doctor who has chosen to combine her medical duties with laboratory research.

Dr Juanita Lopez says:
"I am very excited by this opportunity to follow my passion. This will allow me to explore questions around the nature of breast cancer, and why it is sometimes resistant to chemotherapy treatment, which will help me as an oncology doctor."

The science bit:
Dr Juanita Lopez’s research focuses on 'apoptosis' - a natural self-defence mechanism to get rid of damaged cells in the human body. By investigating how to encourage apoptosis to take place in breast cancer cells, Dr Lopez hopes to find ways to make these cells more sensitive to treatment. Her work could have important implications in the future for expanding treatment options for women with breast cancer.