Funding Projects
At Versus Cancer we’re dedicated to making a difference to those suffering from cancer. We do this by ploughing funds into three key areas:
Currently, the money you’ve helped us raise is going a long way towards making a difference in these areas. Here are some examples of how this money is being put to good use:
T Cell Therapy at Christie Hospital, Manchester.
Scientists working at the Christie Hospital have discovered a way to boost the immune system by enhancing cells in cancer patients to hunt down and destroy tumors. And Versus Cancer have helped fund the world’s first clinical trials of this revolutionary new treatment.
The body naturally produces a small quantity of t-cells, a type of infection-fighting white cell which directly attacks virus-infected cells and cancer cells. But as the body doesn't have enough of these cells to combat huge tumors, cancer cells often develop protective mechanisms to avoid them being recognised by the body as a disease.
To solve this problem, doctors want to take blood samples from cancer patients to extract these t-cells. Then, by attaching antibodies to the t-cells (which act as tracking devices) they can zone in on and attack the tumors. The t-cells are then multiplied over a two-week period and injected back into the patient's body.
By naturally seeking out and attacking tumors, this new form of treatment is a better alternative to radiotherapy and chemotherapy which both work by destroying healthy cells as well as cancerous ones.
Visit the Christie Hospital website.
Genesis Breast Cancer Prevention Centre
We are currently funding research into the prevention of breast cancer through diet and lifestyle by supporting the work of the Genesis Appeal, the only charity in the UK entirely dedicated to the prevention of breast cancer. Their new breast cancer prevention centre is based in Manchester and is the only one of its kind in Europe. However funding is still essential to support the people and projects based at the new centre and their vital research into prevention and early diagnosis of this terrible disease. 1 in 10 women and 1 in 1,000 men in the UK will develop breast cancer, but it doesn’t have to be this way. Join the fight to make 1 in 10, none in 10.
Visit the Genesis website.
Self-Checking Awareness Campaign
We are currently producing a public awareness campaign to encourage the people of Manchester to check themselves for signs of breast and testicular cancer. Appearing around the city in early 2008, the campaign focuses on the importance of checking for signs of these cancers, and how detecting them early can vastly improve chances of survival. If breast cancer is caught early there is now a 77% chance of survival, with this figure increasing to 99% for testicular cancer. It is therefore vital that people check themselves routinely and that they aren’t afraid to visit their doctor if they do spot anything.
Dr Kershaw’s Hospice
Our donation has led to the purchase of an ambulance for the hospice which will aid the transportation of patients.
Visit the Dr. Kershaw’s Hospice website.
East Lancashire Hospice
We have funded essential equipment needed for the day to day running of the hospice.
Visit the East Lancashire Hospice website.
We’ll keep you up to date on the progress of these projects in the coming months.