Brightest researchers to tackle cancer inequalities

Hull York Medical School is seeking to appoint 11 of the country’s brightest researchers to tackle cancer inequalities in Hull and the Yorkshire region, as part of a £4.9m programme funded by Yorkshire Cancer Research.

The focus of the programme is to ensure that patients in the region are diagnosed at the earliest possible stage and that they have equal access to the very best treatments and care.

The new positions will play an instrumental role in increasing our capacity to deliver life-changing research and help to transform cancer outcomes for patients in the region.

Professor Susan Lea, Vice-Chancellor at the University of Hull, said:

“The investment in this pioneering programme of work will help patients in Hull and the surrounding region to benefit from the highest standards of healthcare. It will build on the University’s high-calibre research into cancer care and diagnosis and underpins the University’s commitment to improving the health of people in this region and beyond.

“Our partnership with Yorkshire Cancer Research – the largest regional cancer charity in England – is fundamental to our aim to drive improvements in patient care through our extensive research.”

Working together, the University of Hull, Hull York Medical School and Yorkshire Cancer Research are able to address the devastating effect of cancer on peoples’ lives, as well as the inequalities in cancer treatment, care and early diagnosis.

Professor Una Macleod, Dean of Hull York Medical School, said:

“Cancer incidence, mortality and survival rates are often worse for those living in Yorkshire than across England as a whole, and they are especially bad in Hull. The picture worsens for the elderly and for those from socially-deprived communities. This programme will help us understand why these differences exist, and how to reduce inequalities, speed up referrals, and improve access to care and treatment.”

“We believe patient-centred cancer research will help us to improve outcomes for those living with cancer and are keen to attract the very best researchers to ensure our research meets the needs of patients across our region but is also nationally and internationally excellent – changing the way cancer is understood, diagnosed and treated. We want to radically change the life chances of people in our region living with cancer, and this funding from Yorkshire Cancer Research will help make this aim a reality.”

Dr Kathryn Scott, Chief Executive at Yorkshire Cancer Research, said: “This investment is another huge step in achieving our goal to save 2,000 more lives in Yorkshire every year by 2025. We know we can have a significant impact in Hull by making sure people know how to spot the signs and symptoms of cancer and when to visit the doctor, but also that they understand the importance of attending screening appointments.

“We also need to work with GPs to ensure they are able to refer possible cancer patients to hospital as quickly as possible, and that healthcare professionals are able to deliver the best possible care to patients and their families once they have been referred.”

The advertised posts include opportunities for dieticians, cancer nurses, GPs and medical practitioners, as well as information, evidence and statistics specialists, senior researchers, and three prestigious career development fellowships. The research project will take place over a period of five years in the new Allam Medical Building at the heart of the University of Hull’s £28 million health campus. Opened by Her Majesty the Queen in November 2017, the building is home to world-leading health and medical research and innovative teaching, and is the winner in the Buildings That Inspire Category at the recent Guardian University Awards.

For more information about the positions visit www.hyms.ac.uk/careers