Carla Whitbread became a breast cancer patient representative and advocate following her diagnosis of Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC) de novo in 2011, at the age of 37. Driven by her experience, Carla is dedicated to raising awareness of MBC and advocating for improved cancer services to enhance survival rates and quality of life for those affected by the disease. Locally, Carla serves as the ambassador of Força – Strength Against Cancer, a UK-registered charity that supports the physical and mental well-being of individuals living with or affected by cancer. She also plays an integral role in Wessex Cancer Alliance’s Patient and Public Involvement Steering Group. Nationally, Carla is an Executive Committee Member of Europa Donna UK. In October 2024, she was elected Europa Donna’s Alternate Representative to the ABC Global Alliance Board of Directors. Additionally, she contributes to the Audit Advisory Committee for NaoME (National Audit of Metastatic Breast Cancer) as a Patient Representative. In 2023, Carla was one of five faces of The Cancer Currency, a pan-European campaign that aims to prioritise metastatic breast cancer and underscore the value of women living with the disease. Through her work, Carla continues to drive change in the MBC community, advocating for greater awareness, better services, and hope for the future.

Carla Whitbread has received financial support/sponsorship for research support, consultation, or speaker fees from the following companies: