GROUND-BREAKING research which could prevent cancer sufferers from losing their hair during treatment is receiving a boost thanks to Coventry’s new Lord Mayor.
At the Annual Meeting of Coventry City Council, newly inaugurated Lord Mayor, Coun Lindsley Harvard, chose the University of Warwick’s Cancer Research Centre as one of his two official charities.
The research centre was established to improve detection, treatments and patient care using the expertise of the University’s Warwick Medical School, and works closely with cinical trials at the Warwick Clinical Trials Unit, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW), and University Hospitals Birmingham (UHB).
Among the centres research is the development of more effective anti-cancer drugs, more personalised cancer therapy, and the development of a scalp-cooling hat which could reduce hair loss in cancer patients.
Professor Annie Young explained the centre was not only fighting the disease, but looking at the issues cancer sufferers struggle with on a daily basis.
She said: “A friend of mine discovered she had breast cancer; she was a very successful medic with a great career, lots of support and she understood the implications of the cancer.
“When someone asked her what her biggest fear was, she said ‘losing my hair’.
“I’m sad to say that she died from breast cancer, but I am determined to do something positive to support the many other women I treat who have a fear of losing their hair during chemotherapy.
“As well as the tiredness, feeling sick and losing weight they also have to cope with this outward sign of undergoing cancer treatment.”
Money raised throughout the Lord Mayor’s term in office will now be split among the University of Warwick’s Cancer Research Centre and the Coventry Alzheimer’s Society.
Speaking about his decision to chose the Cancer Research Centre as one of his official charities, the new Lord Mayor said: “I feel cancer touches the lives of so many people in different forms.
“This research is vitally important to improve treatment and care and the Centre is working hard to translate these new developments into meaningful improvements in cancer care for patients.
“Fundraising will be taking place throughout the year and I hope everyone will show their support.”
Visit www.warwick.ac.uk/cancerappeal to donate directly to the Cancer Research Centre at the University of Warwick or www.coventry.gov.uk to donate via the Lord Mayor’s page.
