A leading breast cancer surgeon from Cardiff has been recognised with a prestigious royal honour for her outstanding contributions to patient care. Eleri Davies, a Consultant in Oncoplastic Surgery, has been appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2026 New Year Honours List.
Decades of Dedication to Breast Cancer Patients
Eleri, who lives in Cyncoed, received the honour specifically for her services to Breast Care. She has been a Consultant Breast Surgeon at the Breast Centre within the University Hospital Llandough since 2010. Her clinical work has a particular focus on patients with an inherited predisposition to breast cancer, such as those with BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations.
"We are very lucky within the Breast Centre that we have an incredibly experienced team," Eleri said, praising her colleagues. "Everyone works so hard from the moment we receive the referral... I applaud them all." She highlighted how consistent care from familiar faces provides great comfort to patients during one of the most challenging times of their lives.
A Multifaceted Role in Treatment and Prevention
Her role extends far beyond the operating theatre. Eleri also works within Public Health on the breast screening programme and runs clinics for symptomatic breast care. Furthermore, she is heavily involved in teaching and training junior doctors and leads the breast unit as a whole.
She manages a regional risk-reducing service for women at high genetic risk, ensuring they receive specialised monitoring and support. Her team's work was featured nationally in the BBC's 'Saving Lives in Cardiff' series, where Eleri emphasised their relentless approach: "We have lots of treatments for Breast Cancer and even if it comes back, there is still more that we do. We never give up on anybody."
Fundraising and Future Support
Outside the hospital, Eleri channels her passion for running into fundraising. She ran her fifth marathon in Chicago in October 2025, raising money for the Cardiff & Vale Health Charity Breast Centre Appeal. The funds support vital services for patients, including pre- and post-surgery physiotherapy, complimentary therapies, and specialist bras for those undergoing mastectomy and reconstruction.
Suzanne Rankin, Chief Executive, and Kirsty Williams, Chair of Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, congratulated her, stating: "We are incredibly proud of Eleri... The sheer determination, dedication and hard work of Eleri and the team she leads ensures that the best possible outcomes are provided for patients."
The MBE award solidifies Eleri Davies's status as a cornerstone of breast cancer care in Wales, recognising a career dedicated to innovation, patient compassion, and the training of future medical professionals.
