University of Leeds: Preventing European cancer epidemic
Europe will face a cancer epidemic in the next decade if weaknesses in cancer health systems and cancer research are not urgently addressed, say the authors of a major new report.
The large-scale collaborative research project, in which the University is a key participant, warns that prioritising cancer research is crucial for European countries to deliver more affordable, higher quality, and more equitable cancer care.
With an estimated one million cancer diagnoses missed across Europe in the last two years, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is predicted to set back European cancer outcomes by almost a decade, it states.
Commissioned by The Lancet Oncology, the report, which is titled European Groundshot—addressing Europe’s cancer research challenges, highlights the pivotal importance of cancer research in tackling the unprecedented challenges facing European cancer systems and makes key recommendations for how this can be achieved.
We must work towards a more equitable agenda where all citizens and patients, no matter where they live, will benefit equally from advances in cancer research.
Professor Peter Selby CBE
The report brings together a wide range of patient, scientific, and health-care experts with detailed knowledge of cancer research activity across Europe.
Peter Selby CBE, Professor of Cancer Medicine in the School of Medicine, is one of the authors of the commission.
Professor Selby was invited to take part in the research due to the breadth and depth of cancer research being delivered both by himself and colleagues at Leeds.
The University is a leader or leading partner in both national and international cancer research projects which are high priorities for the commission. These include:
New radiotherapy technologies, led by Professor David Sebag-Montefiore
The social and economic aspects of cancer, such as side effects from prostate cancer treatment, led by Professor Adam Glaser
Rare cancers like brain tumours, with research into the cannabis-based drug Sativex led by Professor Susan Short
Lung cancer diagnosis, with the Leeds Lung Health Check scheme led by Professor Mat Callister
Colorectal cancer diagnosis and treatment, with a possible link between gut bacteria and cancer identified by Professor Philip Quirke.
The report identifies advancing methodological research work as a key priority, and here Leeds has leadership and substantial expertise both nationally and internationally, with new treatment development research; patient-centred cancer care, big data in cancer, and cancer survivorship research all taking place at the University.