International Conference Highlights Cutting Edge Research to Help People Survive Cancer in the 21st Century
Posted on: 18 September 2014
Advances in scientific research and clinical care which are contributing to earlier detection and increased survival rates in cancer are being discussed by leading experts in cancer research, clinical practice and epidemiology in Trinity College this week. The International Cancer Conference which takes place in the Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute was opened by Trinity Provost Dr Patrick Prendergast and RTE presenter and cancer survivor, Áine Lawlor.
International and national experts discussed how major advances in treatment, diagnosis and prevention are being made through cutting-edge translational cancer research, and in the last decade have changed the landscape for those with a cancer diagnosis. Over 60% of people in Ireland survive for five years or longer after a cancer diagnosis and for most go on to live a normal and healthy life.
One of the organisers of the conference and of Cancer Week Ireland, Professor of Surgery, John Reynolds, Head of Surgery in St James’s Hospital and Trinity said: “This conference, a collaboration between Trinity College Dublin and the Irish Cancer Society during Cancer Week, draws on the expertise of distinguished international and national leaders in cancer, and covers the spectrum of prevention, advances in treatments and research, and new vistas in drug development. Key topics include metabolism and lifestyle in cancer, and the emerging risks of obesity and environmental threats. A major theme of the conference is survivorship, with a session devoted to the challenges in adulthood for children and adolescents who have undergone curative treatment for cancer.”
The conference opened with a forward look at cancer services and planning in Ireland with presentations from Professor of Pathology John O’Leary, in the School of Medicine, Trinity, and Director of the National Cancer Control Programme in Ireland, Dr Susan O’Reilly.
Speaking about a new initiative being developed by the National Cancer Care Programme (NCCP) and designed specifically for cancer survivors, Director of the NCCP, Dr Susan O’Reilly, said: “The health care needs of cancer survivors are a reflection of their improving outcomes nationally. The National Cancer Control Programme is now focusing on developing a Patient Treatment and Summary Care Plan for people who have had cancer. This patient held record will be given to the patient and the GP upon completion of the patient’s acute cancer treatment. It provides information on the specific diagnosis and treatment and the recommended ongoing surveillance.”
Dr O’Reilly continued: “Its overall aim is to empower the patient to have an active role in their ongoing health and healthcare and to develop a partnership role with their doctors in this regard. It highlights the importance of having a healthy lifestyle and psychological well-being after cancer treatment and provides advice on being proactive in seeking medical attention if worrisome symptoms develop.”
Global cancer trends and opportunities for prevention were explored by Dr Chris Wild, the Director of the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), Lyon, France. As well as addressing the predicted rise of cancer cases coming down the line with 22 million new cancer cases expected in 2030worldwide, Dr Wild also spoke about the importance of harnessing the advances made in cancer genetics research in preventing and identifying the disease earlier. The conference was collaboratively developed with the Irish Cancer Society and has a very strong patient focus. RTE presenter and cancer survivor, Áine Lawlor, who opened the conference said: “More and more people are surviving cancer like me, or living with the disease like many friends I know. Cancer causes so much fear- but good science and good medicine are the way forward. Instead of being afraid we all need to be more aware to help ourselves stay healthy.”
On Wednesday evening, Dr John Ziegler, Professor of Medicine, Emeritus at the University of California San Francisco was awarded the Burkitt medal, an award designed to recognise people with the integrity, compassion and dedication matching that of Denis Burkitt, a Trinity graduate, who is known for his discovery of Burkitt lymphoma.
Wednesday the 17th September also marked World Mouth, Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Day. Staff and students were on hand in the School of Dental Science in Trinity to provide information about this cancer while mouth cancer check-ups and information were provided free of charge in dental practices around the country. Since the awareness campaign around mouth, head and neck cancer began in 2010, approximately 20,000 free examinations have been carried out and 22 cases of oro-pharyngeal cancer have been detected.
The scientific conference is the first event in the inaugural Cancer Week Ireland, a collaborative series of events and conferences by Trinity College Dublin and the Irish Cancer Society which runs from September 15th – 21st, 2014.
Media Coverage:
- RTE Morning Edition, September 17th, 2014 (scroll to 59.23)
- Irish Times, September 16th, 2014: Patients are at the Centre of Cancer Research
- Irish Times, September 16th, 2014: In the search for better treatment, the oncologist ‘has an optimistic nature’
- Irish Times, September 16th, 2014: Change your diet and influence your outcome
- Moncrieff Show, Newstalk, September 16th, 2014 (scroll to 5.25)