Today’s speaker was Andy Wilson, from Yorkshire Cancer Research, initially established in 1925 by Sir Barclay Monaghan, 1st Baronet, a Leeds surgeon of great renown who was determined to greatly improve the success of cancer treatment. It takes 89 years to research and produce one new effective drug to treat cancer, such as Tamoxifen and Lymparza, both of which were discovered by the Leeds team, and the cost involved is estimated at £1.15 billion per drug.
In 2014 it was proposed that the charity should lead a change of direction, from pure research and development into prevention. These schemes are now government led and funded, and benefit people throughout the country in a more equal measure than previously. Indeed, it is now hoped that by 2025 some 2000 less people a year in Yorkshire will succumb to cancer.
Obviously early diagnosis is key to curing cancers and Andy took us through various detection and prevention schemes, involving screening and clinical trials, whilst at the same time emphasising the importance of health education to both healthy and not so healthy members of the community. An animated question and answer session followed, and it was clear that all members had been extremely interested in and challenged by Andy’s talk.
The chairman reminded members of a collection box in aid of the charity and it was very gratifying to note that this collection raised over £170 for Yorkshire Cancer Research.