Cancer Research
It is estimated that nearly 20 million new cases of cancer were diagnosed last year - this is double what it was a decade ago! There are some reasons that we are diagnosing more cancer cases than ever before. There are a few reasons why we have seen such an increase:
The global population is getting older (direct correlation with the likelihood of getting cancer)
Increased air pollution and exposure to chemicals and toxins (especially in cities)
A global decrease in the quality of food humans are consuming (increased consumption of cancer-causing processed foods)
However, it should be noted that this increase in diagnosed cancer cases is also due to advancements in cancer research! Thanks to advancements in cancer screening and diagnosing, more and more people are catching cancer at earlier stages giving them a better chance at surviving. The 5-year survival rates of cancer patients have increased drastically in recent decades due to earlier detection and improvement options - breast cancer survival rates have doubled since the 70s and childhood leukaemia now has a near 90% survival rate!
Why Cancer Research Charities are Important
While many government institutes are conducting this vital research - government organisations can be plagued by limitations and restrictions preventing them from staying on the cutting edge of cancer research.
Thankfully, there are some excellent cancer research charities worldwide that have stepped up to fill in those gaps. Donations to these charities from both the public and private sectors have led to some groundbreaking discoveries in gene therapy, immunotherapy, and precision treatment.
Businesses Supporting Cancer Research
Almost everyone is impacted by cancer - whether directly or via the diagnosis of a friend or family member.
That is why many businesses support cancer charities - whether it be via employee fundraising or collecting sponsorships for running a marathon. However, there are many great ways that a business can support a charity.
For the last 10 years, TK Maxx have been running their "Give Up Clothes For Good" campaign. This allows customers to drop off their pre-loved items (clothing and homeware) and TK Max will tell the items in Cancer Research UK shops to help raise money for cancer research.
Cancer research charities to support:
Cancer Research UK
Founded in 1908, Cancer Research UK (CRUK) is the world's largest independent cancer research charity. With over 4,000 scientists, they actively invest in research spanning prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Notably, their research was instrumental in developing Herceptin for breast cancer and establishing the link between tobacco and cancer, driving stricter regulations and prevention campaigns.
American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society (ACS) is a multifaceted force in the fight against cancer. Beyond funding groundbreaking research like the development of Taxol (crucial for ovarian and lung cancers) and HPV vaccines (contributing to a significant drop in cervical cancer rates), ACS offers patient support through initiatives like the Hope Lodge program, providing free lodging for patients and families. They also advocate for policy changes, leaving no angle unturned in their comprehensive approach.
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Dedicated to children's cancer, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital provides cutting-edge treatment while pushing the boundaries of pediatric cancer research. Their efforts have transformed outcomes, with the overall survival rate for childhood cancer exceeding 80%. Importantly, St. Jude developed CAR-T cell therapy for leukaemia and freely shared their findings, accelerating progress for children worldwide.
Stand Up To Cancer
Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C) fosters collaboration between entertainment and scientific minds to fund high-risk, high-reward cancer research with the potential for breakthrough impact. Their immunotherapy research led to the approval of Keytruda, extending the lives of patients with advanced cancers.
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) funds research, provides patient support, and advocates for policy changes. Their support for CAR-T cell therapy research has revolutionized the treatment of leukemia, offering a personalized cure for many patients who previously had limited options.
World Cancer Research Fund
The World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) delves into the preventable causes of cancer. Their groundbreaking research on diet and cancer has informed global guidelines, empowering individuals to make informed choices that reduce their cancer risk. Notably, their research highlighting the link between obesity and increased cancer risk contributed to public health initiatives and dietary recommendations, impacting cancer prevention strategies worldwide.
Susan G Komen
Susan G. Komen tackles breast cancer on multiple fronts: funding research, supporting patients, and raising awareness. Their iconic Race for the Cure symbolizes both hope and their fundraising power.
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