Worldwide Cancer Research Commits £4.5m To Global Projects To Start Cancer Cures

Worldwide Cancer Research has announced that it has committed £4.5m to fund new cancer research projects around the world in 2022 – a funding increase of £1m on last year1.

The Scotland-based UK charity’s scientific advisory committee held their Big Ideas Gathering (BIG) on 7 and 8 October 2021, which saw some of the world’s brightest minds in cancer research review new ideas for discovery research put forward by scientists from across the globe.

The charity received over 400 project applications in total and 53 made it to the BIG meeting to be discussed by the expert committee. Thanks to the ongoing support of the charity’s Curestarter community, Worldwide Cancer Research has pledged an additional £1m of funding, with the chair of the charity’s Scientific Advisory Committee Dr John Maher highlighting why this funding is needed now more than ever. 

The funding will be offered to 23 research projects based in 12 different countries, including Scotland, Australia and France, and will cover 10 different types of cancer, including breast, skin, lung and pancreatic cancer.

Dr John Maher, Chair of Worldwide Cancer Research’s Scientific Advisory Committee said:

“We expect that cancer will have caused the death of more people in the UK over the past 12 months than COVID-19, and there are concerns that cancer deaths may have increased disproportionately over the past year because of the huge disruption caused by COVID-19.

“It can’t be stressed enough how important the funding provided by Worldwide Cancer Research is to the future of cancer research.  The 23 exciting discovery projects we’ve committed to funding this year are of the highest calibre, demonstrating innovation and creativity that could lead to potential new cures for cancer.”

Eilidh Mackay, 20, an ambassador for the charity who has overcome two cancer diagnoses and has been in remission for two years, said:

“My hope is that one day, no one will have to go through the heart-breaking cancer diagnosis I have experienced. I personally feel cancer has control over us, but funding this important research worldwide will help us take back control.

“We have come so far in terms of cancer research and cures, with advances in technology to help diagnose cancer and kinder treatments. Most importantly, those who receive a devastating diagnosis could have the hope of living longer thanks to the knowledge we now have. 

“This proves the funding which is generously donated to help progress breakthrough cancer research is working, and I personally am hugely grateful that the understanding of how to treat my cancer was there when I was diagnosed.

“The incredible discovery research funded by Worldwide Cancer Research will get us to the finish line. Without that important start, there can be no end.”

Dr Helen Rippon, chief executive, Worldwide Cancer Research, said:

“With attention continued to be focused on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s too easy to forget that 450 people die of cancer in the UK every single day.

“People with cancer are frightened their needs will be overlooked because the world is too busy tackling another disease.

“To them I say, we are here for you. Thanks entirely to the thousands of people who have dug extra deep to support us, we are thrilled to be able to commit an additional £1m of funding this year, taking the total invested in new projects to £4.5m.

“With the average cancer research project taking around 20 years to be realised, we’re resolute in our aim of making discoveries that will boost the research pipeline and provide hope for the millions affected by cancer, both now and in the future.”

For more information about Worldwide Cancer Research or to find out how you can help start new cancer cures, please visit: https://www.worldwidecancerresearch.org/support-us/donate/  

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