A Cambridge scientist, who is opening up about life in the lab to raise awareness of the need for cancer research, is urging people to unite on World Cancer Day to help beat the disease sooner.
Lynn Asante-Asare knows how important cancer research is – the PhD student chose it as a career after a close friend died of leukaemia not long after finishing university.
Now she hopes other men, women and children will play their part by wearing a Unity Band on World Cancer Day or by donating to support vital research.
Unity bands are made up of two parts, knotted together, to symbolise strength in unity. Every band worn, every donation made and everyone who shows their support will help save more lives by funding research that will accelerate Cancer Research UK’s progress in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
Lynn Asante–Asare said: “One in two of us will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in our lifetime - but by joining together, we can beat this disease. I hope people will pick up a Unity Band and wear it with pride on World Cancer Day or donate to support our lifesaving research.”
The second year PhD student, who’s based at the Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, is taking part in a new scheme which aims to unite fundraisers and scientists. Sponsor A PhD Researcher allows people to sponsor Lynn’s work and receive updates about her life in the cancer research lab.
Sponsor a PhD Researcher has been created to give people a real insight into the day to day work and achievements of scientists, whilst supporting young researchers at the start of their careers.
Lynn’s research is looking at how aggressive certain cancers are and how likely they are to spread.
Lynn said: “In 2011, a very close friend of mine passed away from an aggressive form of Leukaemia – just a few weeks away from his graduation ceremony. He is the reason I am pursuing a career in cancer research.
“Any treatment you have in a hospital was developed in a lab, I want people to see how that process works and that scientists are not strange people in white jackets working on our own. I work within a team and I’m surrounded by experienced scientists in other labs.
“As a PhD student, it’s up to me to build on what we already know and think of new ideas. I can come up with new ways to tackle the problems we face when diagnosing and treating cancer, and design my own experiments to test these ideas.
“Right now, we can’t tell the difference between a prostate tumour that’s going to become cancerous and one that’s not. But through this research we’re hoping to develop a way to distinguish between these tumours. This could help make sure we treat patients with cancer more quickly, and avoid treating patients who don’t need it.”
Every year, around 33,600 people are diagnosed with cancer in the East and that’s why more research like Lynn’s is needed and why Cancer Research UK is urging people to support World Cancer Day.
Danielle Glavin, Cancer Research UK spokesperson for Cambridge, said: “World Cancer Day provides an opportunity for people in Cambridge, as well as across the world, to show that together we can be a powerful force to beat cancer sooner.
“So many of us know someone affected by cancer, and wearing a Unity Band or donating is a simple and easy way to show solidarity and to support our scientists, like Lynn, who are working to beat this awful disease.
“Survival has doubled since the early 1970s and Cancer Research UK’s work has been at the heart of that progress – but every step our doctors, nurses and scientists take relies on donations from the public and the tireless fundraising of our supporters.
“Whatever people’s motivation – to remember a loved one, celebrate people who have overcome the disease, or to rally in support of those going through treatment – World Cancer Day is a chance for everyone to get involved and help more people in the fight against cancer.”
Cancer Research UK’s Unity bands come in three different colours. They are available in the charity’s shops, including the Cambridge stores on Regent Street and Burleigh Street, for a suggested donation of £2.
Unity bands are also available online at www.cruk.org.uk/worldcancerday. Money raised will help fund life-saving research and help bring forward the day when all cancers are cured.
This year, Cancer Research UK is working with nine other charities to encourage people to wear a Unity Band and help raise vital funds. By joining together, the charities hope to raise awareness and make an impact in transforming the lives of millions who are affected by cancer.
