Yorkshire Cancer Research named biggest funder of cancer research study places in region

During 2022/23, the charity funded 40% of all cancer research study places in the region - twice as many as the second biggest funder.

The studies, involving nearly 5,000 people, include research into the feasibility of introducing a screening programme for kidney cancer and a study investigating whether urine self-testing kits and community early detection clinics are an effective way of screening for bladder cancer.

Thanks to people supporting Yorkshire Cancer Research, the charity’s funding means that Yorkshire is one of the best performing Clinical Research Networks in England for the number of people taking part in cancer studies (1).

Dr Kathryn Scott, Chief Executive at Yorkshire Cancer Research, said: “These new figures show that the work we fund is making a real impact. Yorkshire is at the forefront of cancer research, and we are incredibly grateful to those affected by cancer for taking part in these studies and to the charity’s supporters for making this possible.

“Every part of a cancer patient’s treatment is informed by research. Without this, we would not be able to gather the valuable knowledge needed to help save lives in Yorkshire, and beyond.

“We aim to bring more research studies to Yorkshire so that people in our region can be among the first to receive access to pioneering treatments and innovative ways to diagnose cancer.”

People in Yorkshire are more likely to have their lives cut short by cancer than almost anywhere else in England (2). In addition, Yorkshire represents nearly 8% of the UK’s population (3) yet receives only 3% of medical research funding (4). Yorkshire Cancer Research aims to give patients in the region greater access to new cancer treatments.

Research studies funded by the charity include the Leeds Lung Health Check, a pioneering lung screening programme which provided critical data and evidence that led to the recent announcement of a national lung screening programme.

The multimillion-pound programme, delivered in partnership with Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, the University of Leeds and Leeds City Council, has screened more than 7,500 people for early signs of lung cancer, with 300 lung cancers found and 60 other cancers identified.

Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers in Yorkshire and the region’s biggest cause of cancer-related death. About 4,300 people are diagnosed with it every year in the region, with those living in deprived communities at most risk.

Because lung cancer doesn’t always cause symptoms at an early stage, it is frequently diagnosed late when treatment options are more limited and survival rates are lower. Screening helps detect lung cancer before any signs or symptoms develop, when it is usually easier to treat.

Another study will test whether a physical activity mobile app can be used to help patients diagnosed with breast, prostate, or bowel cancer to become more active. Evidence shows that being active before, during and after treatment can not only increase treatment options, reduce side effects and complications from treatment and speed up recovery, but also increase the likelihood of survival and reduce the risk of cancer coming back.

1. NIHR, FY 2022/2023
2. Public Health Outcomes Framework
3. Office for National Statistics
4. AMRC

Nikki Brady

PR Manager, Yorkshire Cancer Research

Tel: 07814 255159.

Email nikki.brady@ycr.org.uk