North Antrim MP Jim Allister KC has called on the UK government to provide £20 million in dedicated funding for lobular breast cancer research. He stated that patients receive treatments not designed for their disease due to historical underinvestment.

Allister described lobular breast cancer as biologically distinct from other forms but treated as generic breast cancer for decades. He argued that the current funding model, which requires researchers to compete in existing programmes, has failed to produce disease-specific advances.

A business case proposes ring-fenced UK-wide discovery research funding. It outlines economic benefits from earlier intervention and accelerated development of tailored treatments.

Ministers have engaged with senior scientists and the Lobular Moon Shot Project. Allister noted that this engagement has not yet resulted in a firm commitment to the funding.

Allister said the evidence and need have been acknowledged but a clear decision to act is lacking. Without targeted investment, he warned, patients will face ongoing limited options based on research for other breast cancers.

The MP confirmed he will keep pressing ministers for a definitive decision on the £20 million.