Cambridgeshire woman saved by cancer research trial
More than 110,000 thousand lives in the East saved from cancer in the last four decades
In 2018, Liz Chipchase took part in a CRUK-funded clinical trial, designed to test the capsule sponge.
This is a method of collecting cells from the oesophagus (food pipe) to look for signs of a condition called Barrett’s oesophagus, which can sometimes develop into cancer.
Liz had a history of indigestion and acid reflux, so was invited to take part by her GP.
The samples revealed that not only did Liz have Barrett’s, but further tests also showed she had cancer.
Liz had two endoscopy procedures to remove the cancerous tissue and follow-up treatment to remove traces of Barrett’s.
“It’s a chain of events that makes me feel so very lucky,” she said. “I believe this trial saved my life.”
“I shall always be immensely grateful for CRUK’s involvement in funding research into the development of the capsule sponge and then supporting the BEST3 trial, which showed that the capsule sponge can identify patients with Barrett’s oesophagus much more effectively than standard care.
"Without the BEST3 trial, my cancer would not have been found at such an early stage and the course of my life could have been very different.
“Bodies such as CRUK not only provide much-needed money to support research projects but also influence the development and sharing of ideas in areas that can lead to real advances in patient treatment.”
In the East of England, around 114,000 lives have been saved.
This is according to a new analysis by Cancer Research UK, which has found that since the mid-1980s, UK cancer death rates have fallen by around a quarter.
Last year, Cancer Research UK also spent nearly £49 million in East Anglia on some of the UK’s leading scientific and clinical research.
Susanna Lovell is the founder of the support group 'Cake Cancer and Coffee' in Stowmarket, Suffolk.
She told us the impact goes beyond those with the disease and extends towards the individual's friends and family: "It is incredible.
"Just one person who's there to see their grandchildren and cook Christmas dinner for their family.
"It's an impact that's going to be very important for many families and friends, and hopefully more going forward.
"It's an incredible gift; I think it's something that science can be proud of."
Susanna also told us she believes cancer is becoming "more of a chronic disease that people live with rather than die for - and that's a good trend."
What should change around Cancer?
Although Susanna is incredibly pleased with the advancements, she told us there is still more that can be done for those with the disease at the moment.
She would like quicker diagnosis, as well as a "guide for employers".
She understands that everyone's abilities may be different throughout cancer and some people may want to come back to work even if it's just for a few hours a day.
She wants companies to understand that and told us that having a sense of normality can actually help with the healing process and be better off psychologically.
She also wants employers to consider what people are physically capable of - mentioning that people may have to move to the ground floor because they can't face stairs during treatment.
Despite the huge achievement, Cancer Research UK says cancer deaths are still the number one cause of death in the UK.
It also added that advances have not been equal across all cancers.
The charity also raised concerns about the "enormous strain" facing both the NHS and the research sector.
"Thanks to research and progress, a huge number of people in the last 40 years have reached milestones in their lives they didn't think they'd see and had more invaluable time with their loved ones," said Cancer Research UK chief executive, Michelle Mitchell.
"Discoveries into more effective and kinder treatments, improvements to screening programmes, and strategies to help detect and prevent cancer have all been essential to this.
"However, despite these hard-fought gains, the situation for people affected by cancer across the UK remains worrying. Long waiting times are leaving many people facing fear and uncertainty.
"Cancer is a fixable problem, with continued investment in cancer research, strong political leadership, and the continued support of the public, we can build upon the fantastic progress from the last 40 years."