Free public event about the role of research in the fight against cancer

The role of research and how it can eliminate cancer will be the main topic of discussion at a free public event entitled ‘Can Research Eliminate Cancer?’ being organised by the Irish Cancer Society on Wednesday (30 April 2014) at the Hilton Hotel, Dublin.

World cancer research expert, Professor Gerard Evan, Professor of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, will discuss how cancer can be eliminated in our lifetime. In addition, Evelyn O’Rourke, RTE Presenter and cancer survivor, will speak about her own experience battling breast cancer and why research matters to patients.

The event will also celebrate the excellent research being funded by the Irish Cancer Society which is making a meaningful difference for patients.  More than 40 researchers from around the country, all funded by the Irish Cancer Society, will be at the event to explain their research in plain English.  Additionally, three researchers who made important cancer research discoveries last year, have been shortlisted by a judging panel to tell the story of their discovery and how this will potentially benefit patients.  From the shortlisted presentations, the judging panel and the audience will decide who should be awarded the Irish Cancer Society ‘Researcher of the Year’ Award.   This will be the third year that a pioneering cancer researcher in Ireland will be honoured with this award. The winner will be chosen from the following shortlisted candidates:

Dr Gregor Kijanka

  • How TRIM is your bowel? New marker predicting patient outcomes

Dr Maria Pertl

  • Understanding cancer-related fatigue in breast cancer patients

Dr Britta Stordal

  • Avoiding BRCA blind alleys in ovarian and breast cancer research

Professor Gerard Evan, Professor of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, and keynote speaker at the event, has said, “We are going to see dramatic shifts in our abilities to treat and contain human cancers in the next 10, 15, 20 years.  I can pretty confidently say that my children will never have to worry about dying from cancer in their lifetimes.”

Professor John Fitzpatrick, Head of Research, Irish Cancer Society, said, “Research is one of the key drivers toward a future without cancer and I’m delighted that we are able to update the public on the work we are funding in this area.  One in three people will develop cancer during their lifetime, so this is an important issue and one that the Irish Cancer Society is committed to fighting through the support and funding of cancer research.  I would urge anyone interested in cancer research or progress in new cancer treatments to attend this meeting on 30 April at 5pm in the Hilton Hotel, Charlemont Place, Dublin 2.”

‘Can Research Eliminate Cancer?’ will take place on Wednesday 30 April 2014 from 5pm-7pm at the Hilton Hotel, Charlemont Place, Dublin 2.

The meeting is free to attend. Please book your place by emailing ebrohoon@irishcancer.ie or by calling Elizabeth on 01 231 6611.