Issue 6: Public Information Evening Special Edition 2012
Consumer
Impact!
Newsletter of the Northern Ireland Cancer Research Consumer Forum
Northern Ireland Cancer Research Consumer Forum
Forum Members with Speakers
Northern Ireland Cancer Research Consumer Forum
Host Public Information Evening
Members of the Forum welcomed the public to an information evening ‘Cancer
Research in Northern Ireland – a Brighter Future Together.’ Speakers focused
on how research in Northern Ireland helped deliver innovations in cancer
treatment, and how the involvement of the public and people affected by cancer
is so important to this work. The event was held in the Postgraduate Lecture
Theatre of the Belfast City Hospital on 6 September 2012.
Summary of Presentations – Part 1:
NI Cancer Research Network
Dr Richard Wilson, Director of the Northern Ireland Cancer Trials Centre & Network
described how partnerships with Trusts, Universities, research funders and the public were
facilitating a growing number of people being able to take part in cancer clinical trials in NI.
Eileen Dillon, Lead Clinical Research Nurse and Network Manager, described how the role
of the research nurse involved supporting patients throughout the clinical trial.
Research Advances in Breast Cancer Surgery
Mr Stuart McIntosh, Consultant Breast Surgeon at the Belfast City Hospital, told the
audience about the important contribution of NI to national multi-centre clinical trials in
breast cancer. Research has led to major improvements in cosmetic outcomes and quality
of life for women. His current research includes clinical trials of new therapies in the preand peri-operative settings. He is also researching the use of new imaging technology to
advance breast reconstruction techniques.
The Journey from Lab to Clinic
Professor Richard Kennedy, Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology and Consultant
Medical Oncologist, NI Cancer Centre, described the research pathway from the lab to the
clinic and the multiple collaborations involved. He explained how this work is leading to the
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Left to right: Mrs Kate Burns, Mr Paul Burns, Mrs Sharon
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Mrs Dori-Anne Finlay-Blackstock
Left to right: Mr Mike Moran, Mrs Katie Scott,
Mrs Eileen Dillon, Mrs Hazel Fisher
Information and Conversation
There was a break from the talks for a cup of tea and an opportunity to meet others and look at
stands from the NI Biobank, Cancer Research UK, Friends of the Cancer Centre and the Public
Health Agency.
Summary of Presentations – Part 2:
Perspectives in Prostate Cancer
Mr Paul Burns gave an honest and heartfelt account of the impact of prostate cancer on his
life. He described his participation in a clinical trial and shared reflections on the things that
are important to him. Professor Joe O’Sullivan, Centre for Cancer Research and Cell
Biology and Consultant Clinical Oncologist described how clinical trials are promoting high
quality cancer treatments and offering patients hope and access to new drugs and
techniques.
An Invitation to Get Involved
Mr Dave Ardron, Chair of the North Trent Consumer Research Panel, spoke about how
people across the UK, affected by cancer, were getting together in collaboration with
researchers and giving a vital voice to the patient perspective in the research process.
Margaret Grayson, (Forum Chair) described the work of the local Forum and invited others
to consider getting involved.
Questions and Feedback
Mr Geoff Hill (above left) co-chaired the evening, including an opportunity for questions to the
speakers. Mr Pat McCartan (above centre), Chair of the Belfast HSC Trust, and Mr Mike Moran
(above right), member of the Forum, were two members of the audience who contributed to the
evening by asking the speakers about their work and collaborations.
Feedback from the event was very positive, many commenting how inspiring the evening was.
For more information visit the NICTC website www.qub.ac.uk/nictc
The Northern Ireland Cancer Research Consumer
Forum & Newsletter are co-ordinated by the
NICTC. For further information please contact: Ruth Boyd
NICTC
East Podium, C-Floor
Belfast City Hospital
Lisburn Road, Belfast
BT9 7AB
Tel: 028 90 263903
E-mail Ruth Boyd at:
[email protected]