Harpal Kumar, the Chief Executive of Cancer Research UK, yesterday posted a blog about the new task force he is leading for NHS England on cancer diagnosis. The aim of the task force is to enable people to get an earlier and speedier diagnosis of their tumour in the future. But it will also be looking at treatment and … Continue reading Is it time to give patients the opportunity to self-refer themselves to take part in NHS research?
cancer
Medical research may appear a pantomime at times but all good pantos hold a lesson or two
First his head came into view, followed soon after by his tail..... On Boxing Day Cancer Research UK issued figures suggesting that almost 600,000 deaths from cancer between 2007 and 2011 could have been prevented by healthier lifestyles. Then, on New Year's Day, we were told that scientists at John Hopkins in University in the … Continue reading Medical research may appear a pantomime at times but all good pantos hold a lesson or two
1-HELP-CUREIT
It was so humid when I stepped onto the sidewalk it felt like I was treading water. A threat of storms hung in the air, battleship colour clouds steaming slowly across the horizon. Far from here but menacing nonetheless. An occasional spot of rain found its way on to the floor; a steady hum of a/c … Continue reading 1-HELP-CUREIT
Bold ambition for lung cancer research just what the doctor ordered
I was delighted to see this getting considerable airtime on the radio this morning: the launch of the London Lung Cancer Alliance with its aim of recruiting 3000 lung patients into clinical trials per year. Lung cancer is on the rise in the UK and it is a difficult condition for which to raise public awareness and … Continue reading Bold ambition for lung cancer research just what the doctor ordered
Cancer patient experience survey results show variations in access to clinical trials and research
The results of the annual cancer patient experience survey are out today. For those of us committed to improving patient access to clinical trials and other research, this year's report is particularly interesting. As far as I know, this is the first year that the survey asked patients whether taking part in research had been discussed … Continue reading Cancer patient experience survey results show variations in access to clinical trials and research
Cancer Research UK to get a new look
I noticed this in Civil Society from a few hours ago. Cancer Research UK (CRUK) - the largest publicly funded medical research charity in the UK - is reported to be launching a new identity in September to coincide with the 10th anniversary of its establishment from the merger of Cancer Research Campaign and the … Continue reading Cancer Research UK to get a new look
Clinical trials and children: impact on outcomes
Interesting paper from the Annals of Oncology and covered in PharmaTimes on how access to clinical trials has led to better outcomes for children with cancer. The data relates to clinical trial activity promoted by the Children's Cancer and Leukaemia Group. A direct quote from the article says: "Between 1966 and 1970 just 28% of young … Continue reading Clinical trials and children: impact on outcomes
Help set the agenda in cancer research….
The National Cancer Research Institute (NCRI) is on a recruitment drive for consumers (patients, carers, relatives and members of the public affected by cancer) to join one of their Clinical Studies Groups (CSGs). These Groups are pivotal in driving new ideas and setting the agenda for cancer research so a patient voice is essential. There are ten … Continue reading Help set the agenda in cancer research….
Cancer voices in medical and health research
I have been meaning to post this for a little while but have been waiting for a break in the action. Just wanted to pass on this excellent publication from independent cancer patients' voices entitled: 'Yearbook 1: Opening the Conversation - A Record of Achievement 2009-2011.' Those designing and writing annual reports might also learn … Continue reading Cancer voices in medical and health research
International leaders in cancer research in conversation and a new Channel 4 video on clinical trials
The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) has a rather nifty web-page at the moment with various leading lights in cancer research talking about cancer therapeutics. They include Bob Brown, chair, translational oncology, Imperial College London. And hear is a rather nifty video explaining drug trials done by Channel 4. Just click on the picture … Continue reading International leaders in cancer research in conversation and a new Channel 4 video on clinical trials
NCRI in Liverpool
This week sees the annual National Cancer Research Institute (NCRI) annual conference take place in Liverpool. Expect a regular flow of news stories highlighting recent cancer research findings - there's already been one rather interesting piece about the increased risk of bowel cancer for men on lower incomes . Here is the homepage for the … Continue reading NCRI in Liverpool
'Health research cuts'
Today's 'exclusive' in the The Times online headlined 'Cancer research at risk in scramble for care funds' has caused understandable concern and outrage. It is an interesting piece based on comments made to The Times by the Secretary of State for Health, Andy Burnham MP. But some background may help us get a better perspective on … Continue reading 'Health research cuts'
Simon Denegri's Lay Review 