Did you know not all breast cancers can be treated the same way? In this episode of the HR on the Offensive podcast host Chris Howard, a member from our CSR team Natalie Berkoff, and guest Robin Woolcock, chairman of the UK charity for Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC), pulls back the curtain on one of the most aggressive and least understood forms of the disease.
The UK charity for Triple Negative Breast Cancer is one of LACE Partners’ chosen charities that we choose to support and to us, support is more than charitable donations, but it is also about raising awareness. That is what we hope to do with today’s podcast.
Where did it begin?
Robin’s story began with his wife’s diagnosis in 2009 and her eventual passing in 2017. That experience motivated him to establish the UK charity for TNBC. TNBC accounts for about 15% of all breast cancer cases, yet its outcomes are disproportionately severe, representing more than 40% of breast cancer-related deaths. Treatments that have dramatically improved survivorship for other types of breast cancer often don’t work here, leaving patients with limited options and a pressing need for targeted support.
What are the charity’s goals?
The charity’s mission is twofold: providing clear, reliable information for newly diagnosed patients and building a supportive community so individuals never feel alone in their journey. Practical initiatives have included developing simple to understand resources, creating peer networks, and even running training programmes for specialist nurses who play a critical role in patient care.
TNBC in the workplace
One in three people will receive a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime, meaning it’s not a question of if, but when this will affect the workplace. Yet many organisations lack even a basic cancer policy. He encourages HR teams to go beyond policy-writing, equipping line managers with the empathy and understanding needed to support colleagues through both the shock of diagnosis and the practical realities of treatment.
Why does supporting small charities matter?
Unlike large national organisations, smaller groups can deliver highly targeted support where it is most needed—and even modest donations make an outsized difference. For companies, partnering with these charities not only creates real impact but also deepens employee engagement, proving that giving back can strengthen both communities and culture.
