The Nightingale Centre & Genesis Prevention Centre

The Nightingale centre and Genesis Prevention Centre is Europe's first purpose-built breast cancer prevention centre.

The centre is headed by Professor Tony Howell, the UK's first Professor of Cancer Prevention and is home to a team of internationally recognised experts, including Professor of Clinical Genetics, Gareth Evans and Professor of Surgery, Nigel Bundred.

Their works include:

• Research into diet and lifestyle as triggers of the disease.
• Reasearch into dietary prevention.
• Research into the faulty genes that can cause cancer.
• Risk assessment for women worried about developing breast cancer.
• A Family History Clinic ensuring that families obtain the best support, care and advice possible.
• Methods of early detection.
• Research into cancer-prevention drugs.
• Research into pre-cancer changes.
• Research into related diseases, such as ovarian cancer.
• Training breast care specialists for the future.

The Building

Opened in July 2007, the building is situated on the University Hospital of South Manchester complex in Wythenshawe. It provides a base for one of the most ambitious breast cancer research programmes in Europe.

The centre offers a state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment services to women and men with breast cancer and co-ordinates the NHS breast-screening programme for the Greater Manchester area.

There are specially designed consultation, examination, councelling, mammography, radiology and ultrasound rooms. The are also laboratories dedicated to pathology, prosthesis, lymphodema and bone densitometry.

As well as this, it provides training facilities aimed at addressing the shortage of breast cancer specialists.

The centre is light and airy, offering a peaceful and welcoming atmosphere for patients. It incorporates a glazed atrium entrance and waiting area with a beautiful stained glass window created by artist, Martin Donlin. This tranquil ambience features both inside and out, with planted areas of landscaping, two internal courtyards and a tranquillity garden for patients.

The building and its interior were designed after consultation with breast cancer patients and staff.