One Million Project issue 1 | Page 39

One Million Project is helping ……

Cancer Research UK – The World’s Leading Cancer Research Charity

On the 4th February, 2002, the Imperial Cancer
Research Fund and the Cancer Research Campaign combined to establish the world’s largest independent cancer research charity – Cancer Research UK.
It prioritizes its work by conducting laboratory
experimentation into prevention and early diagnosis of the disease in institutes, universities
and hospitals throughout the UK.
Because of its obvious complexity, cancer can
emerge and spread to various parts of the
body, but cancer types can be broken down
into lung, bowel, breast, liver and pancreatic.
40% of cancer research expenditure goes on
basic laboratory research – the molecular basis
which covers all types. The rest of its funding is
used to support research into over 100 specific
types of cancer: drug discovery, development
and early detection, surgery and radiotherapy.
Priority is obviously given to cancers where
survival rates remain low: esophageal, lung
and pancreatic.

Although funding comes through grant
funded researches and from its own employers or trustees, most comes from donations
by the public, from legacies, in the community, fundraising events, through its chain of
high street shops and corporate teamwork.
40,000 people volunteer on a regular basis,
some in its shops, others through campaign
events such as runs, marathons and walks.
On the 18th July, 2012, Cancer Research UK
received an unprecedented sum of £10 million which will go towards £100 million
needed for a biomedical research centre
based in London.
Other work the charity undertakes is
to provide awareness to the public, the scientific community and healthcare. It works in
conjunction with the UK Government to inform and improve cancer services.

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