I worked as a therapeutic radiographer for fourteen years in the National Health Service before moving to academia in 2001. I am a Professor of Radiotherapy and Oncology at Sheffield Hallam University where my research focus is radiotherapy for breast cancer. In 2018 the tables were turned when I was diagnosed with stage 2B breast cancer myself. I have both a professional and personal interest in the use of permanent tattoos for patients having radiotherapy following a breast cancer diagnosis.