I was lucky enough to be invited to the ‘soft opening’ of the new Manchester Cancer Research Centre (MCRC), a collaboration between University of Manchester, Cancer Research UK and the Christie Hospital. Apparently, I’m a ‘cancer blogger’. I thought of my blog as a means to tell my story, a means to inspire people to live better lives. But in doing so, I guess yes, I am a ‘cancer blogger’.
The new MCRC is 500 metres from where I live in the UK. I’ve seen the construction from the ground up – and today it’s exciting to be there for the ‘soft opening’. There is no research currently being conducted, just yet. The building has just been finished. The research facilities and team of around 300 staff are about to move in. 5 state of the art labs will all work on curing different types of cancer. The benefits for cancer patients, and possible cures, will be developed in these facilities over the next 5-20 years!!!
The first impression of the building is, WOW! Its unique and modern design allows for a positive feel to the structure. A lot of natural light makes its way in. There are large designated social or meeting areas to the open feel of the building encourages collaboration, bringing together great research minds to find cures for cancer!
The plan is to target the molecular profile of cancer to treat cancer, to better understand cancer, and to create cures for cancer. In the 1970s, 1 in 4 people survived cancer. Now, 1 in 2 people survive cancer.
Other stats in the UK include:
– 35,000 people are diagnosed with cancer each year
– 18,500 die each year in the North West
– The top killers are breast, lung, bowel and prostate cancer
These are just some of the statistics we were given on our tour of the facilities. For more information on cancer statistics in the UK, see cancerresearchuk.org.
Curing cancer is c. 125,000,000,000 times more complicated than landing a man on the moon. I hold in high regard the staff and all that are involved with the Centre, what they are currently doing, and what they will continue to do in the new facilities at the MCRC!!!
Thank You team!!
