This September was a very special one for Breakthrough Cancer Research, as along with World Cancer Research Day we also celebrated our 10-year anniversary. We marked the occasion by announcing our new 5-year research strategy and by injecting an additional €2 million into research funding to find new treatments and improve early detection for Ireland’s seven most lethal cancers, which are responsible for almost half of cancer deaths every year in Ireland. This funding will be allocated to researchers immediately, and over the coming six months. Speaking about her own personal experience our CEO, Orla Dolan commented, “My own father, a surgeon who founded Cork Cancer Research Centre (which later became Breakthrough Cancer Research) died from cancer, so I know first-hand that the worst moment is not when you are told you have the disease, but when you are told there is nothing left to try. The treatments available will not be enough to save your loved one. It’s devastating. But we are not powerless to change it – to take away that day. Research will find better ways to detect cancer earlier and treat cancers more effectively. There are new discoveries and new ideas being developed every day that are just waiting for funding. New knowledge means new ideas and leads to better ways to detect and treat cancer". With your help and the amazing researchers you fund, together we have already successfully brought eight new treatments from the lab to the clinic and are excited to continue to bring more breakthroughs to the people that need them the most. ‘Making More Survivors’ – Our Research Strategy 2022 - 2027 This new strategy focuses on the cancers that cause, and will cause, the most deaths in Ireland annually. These are Lung, Pancreatic, Ovarian, Oesophageal, Liver, Stomach, and Brain cancer. Lung cancer, which is the number one cause of cancer deaths in Ireland, accounts for one-fifth of invasive cancer deaths annually, more deaths than from breast and prostate cancer combined. Pancreatic cancer has a 5-year survival rate of just 14%. Ireland has the second lowest Ovarian cancer survival rate out of 24 European countries. The other poor prognosis cancers that we will focus funding on are Oesophageal,Liver, Stomach, and Brain cancer, cancers all of which have survival rates of just 18% to 31%.
Orla said “As we mark 10 years, it’s important for us to look back and see what has worked, so we can have an even greater impact in the future. We are confident that through our new research strategy, we will continue to make more survivors of the low survival cancers too. We are building research expertise nationally and facilitating innovation to transform cancer care. Our vision of 100% survival for 100% of cancers is bold and we are accelerating the translation of lab discoveries into new, better, kinder and smarter diagnostics and treatments every day. “It is heartening to meet so many survivors of cancer today, more than could have been imagined just 20 years ago. It is inspiring to meet people whose lives have been transformed by research we have funded. It is what we are most proud of here and what we want to see more of in the next decade.” Click below to read our new research strategy.
INAUGURAL NATIONAL FLAG DAY We held our first ever national flag day this month! Our hearts were warmed as hundreds of people up and down the country turned out to volunteer. There were schools, community groups, families, choirs, researchers, corporate supporters - the list goes on – we even had the help of a little dog at one stage! It was truly amazing to see so many people across all parts of the country. A HUGE thank you to everyone who gave so generously of their time, and to the public who supported with the vital funds that will help to support cancer research all around the country. We are excited to report back shortly the much-needed funds that were raised from this outpouring of public support.
World GO Day ‘Dip or Dance’ CampaignRTÉ Broadcaster, Miriam O’Callaghan led a group swim at Seapoint, Dublin earlier this month to encourage women to Dip or Dance on World GO Day to raise awareness of gynaecological cancers.In all 30 swims took place across Ireland. The aim of this year's campaign was to remind women tomaintain a healthier weight and stay activeto reduce their risk of developing uterine cancer. A survey of 511 women, commissioned by the Irish Network of Gynaecological Oncology (INGO), which includes Breakthrough Cancer Research, highlighted the lack of awareness of the symptoms of uterine cancer, the 5th most common cancer in women in Ireland (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer). The research highlighted that of the 511 interviewed: - One in four women were not aware of Uterine Cancer - Three in five women in Ireland cannot name any of the signs or symptoms - Three in ten women do not make the link between being a healthy weight and reducing the risk of Uterine Cancer - One in three women do not make the link between physical activity and reducing the risk of Uterine Cancer Uterine cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the uterus/womb and symptoms include abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge and pelvic pain or pressure.
Risk factors and what to do Several factors may increase the chance that you will get uterine cancer, including if you—Are older than 50.Are overweight/obeseTake oestrogen by itself (without progesterone) for hormone replacement during menopause.Have had trouble getting pregnant or have had fewer than five periods in a year before starting menopause.Take tamoxifen, a drug used to prevent and treat certain types of breast cancer.Have close family members who have had uterine, colon, or ovarian cancer.If one or more of the above is true for you, it does not mean you will get uterine cancer, but you should be more aware and should speak to your doctor. Woman can reduce the risk of uterine cancer by being active and maintaining a healthier body weight. A 5-10% weight reduction can reduce the chances of uterine/endometrial cancers and the recurrence of the disease. It is hoped that awareness days such as World GO Day can build understanding of these all-important signs, symptoms and risk factors.
Glenlee, Western Road, Cork, T12 F9XD, Ireland | Tel: 021 4226655 [email protected] | www.breakthroughcancerresearch.ie Charity No: 19801 | Charity Reg No. 20077945 You are receiving this email because you are a Breakthrough Cancer Research supporter or subscriber. We wish to keep you updated on the amazing research and cancer trials that your generous donations are funding. Please note that you can unsubscribe at any time. Thank you as always for your support.
