Bladder cancer campaign launched
A new campaign has been launched in the North East today to raise awareness of kidney and bladder cancer.
Children with cancer feel left out and left behind
A charity says many children do not receive enough support when they miss school for cancer treatments.
'Cyber surgery' could transform cancer treatment
Doctors say a new machine could revolutionise cancer treatment in the North East, after securing it for Newcastle's Freeman Hospital.
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Sir Bobby Robson foundation marks 5th birthday
Former Newcastle United manager Sir Bobby Robson's cancer charity is marking its fifth anniversary after raising more than five million pounds to help detect and treat cancer.
The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation began when ex-England manager Sir Bobby was receiving treatment for cancer at Newcastle's General Hospital in 2008.
His oncologist, Professor Ruth Plummer, said they needed £500,000 to complete a move to the new Northern Centre for Cancer Care at the Freeman Hospital.
As a result Sir Bobby launched the foundation to raise the money that was needed, and since his death has gone on to raise £5.2 million.
Since it began the foundation has funded new approaches to detecting and treating cancer, and also specialist training posts for a clinical trials doctor and nurse.
– Alan Shearer, Patron of the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation"Sir Bobby set off to raise £500,000, so for his charity to have raised over #5 million is a staggering achievement.
"I'm proud to be a patron and I've been privileged to meet some amazing people through the charity.
"The work the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation has funded over the past five years is incredible and really pushing the boundaries of how we detect and treat cancer.
"I've no doubts the next five years will be just as positive and bring even more advances."
Niall Quinn: "Sir Bobby's memory brings out the best in people"
Niall Quinn, ex-Chairman of Sunderland Football Club, is a patron of the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, which is celebrating its 5th anniversary.
He said: "I feel privileged to have met Sir Bobby, let alone to have contributed in a small way to his Foundation and the lesson I have taken from my involvement is that it's not what you have, it's what you leave behind.
"Sir Bobby may no longer be with us, but he left behind an incredible legacy and a remarkable team. Reaching £5m is a brilliant achievement, a testament to the deep generosity and tireless efforts of so many people.
"Bobby's memory brings out the best in people. Long may it continue."
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Alan Shearer: "Sir Bobby would be humbled at his charity's success"
Alan Shearer is a patron of the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, which is celebrating its 5th anniversary with a new fundraising total of £5.2m.
Shearer said: "The work the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation has funded over the past five years is incredible and really pushing the boundaries of how we detect and treat cancer. I've no doubts the next five years will be just as positive and bring even more advances.**
"My thanks to everyone who has contributed to this fantastic team effort. I'm sure Sir Bobby would be humbled and very proud at his charity's ongoing success."
Sir Bobby Robson Foundation raises £5.2m
The cancer charity founded by Sir Bobby Robson exactly five years ago has now raised £5.2m - ten times more than his initial target. The former England and Newcastle United manager, who died in 2009, spent the last eighteen months of his life raising money and hoped the charity would be his legacy.
Study shows ignorance of deadly cancer
A new study has revealed widespread ignorance on the symptoms of ovarian cancer, and experts now fear that women across the UK could be living with undiagnosed ovarian cancer.
Women across the UK are being urged to check their family medical history, in light of a new study by Ovarian Cancer Action which shows widespread ignorance on the symptoms of ovarian cancer, one of the most deadly forms of cancer in women.
The study found that:
- Ovarian cancer is the fifth most common cancer in women, but less than a third of women would be able to identify any of the symptoms
- The study revealed that a large proportion of women suffering from one of the four main symptoms of the cancer would not go to the doctor to check their symptoms
- Almost two thirds of women with familial history of ovarian and/or breast cancer did not consult a GP after hearing the news.
- Three quarters of women who said they'd been tested for Ovarian cancer said this was via a smear test - but smear tests don't cover for ovarian cancer.
– Gilda Witte, CEO of Ovarian Cancer Action"Ovarian cancer is still the most deadly gynaecological cancer - with 7,000 new UK diagnoses each year. Ovarian cancer has long shaken off its title as `the silent killer'. Experts insist there are symptoms - and both women and health professionals need to be more vigilant in spotting them quickly.
"Most women in the UK are not diagnosed until it has already spread, resulting in poor survival rates. Many doctors mistake ovarian cancer for Irritable Bowel Syndrome - but there is a difference. Ovarian cancer symptoms are frequent and persistent whilst IBS symptoms come and go."
– Gilda Witte, CEO of Ovarian Cancer Action"We are now urging doctors, particularly when dealing with older women, to rule out ovarian cancer first - before considering more minor ailments like gallstones and irritable bowel, as the earlier that you are diagnosed, the better your outcome will be.
"Women know their bodies and know when something is wrong. If you are suffering from any of the symptoms - whether it's persistent bloating, pelvic pain or needing to pee more often - don't wait for it to go away or to get any worse."
Dr Ajay Bedi talks about bladder cancer
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Bladder cancer campaign launched
by Frances Read
A new campaign has been launched in the North East today to raise awareness of kidney and bladder cancer.
Read the full storyCancer campaign pilot launched in the North East
A new pilot campaign to raise awareness of the symptoms of bladder and kidney cancers is being launched in the North East.The Be Clear on Cancer 'Blood in Pee' campaign pilot features TV and radio adverts to raise awareness of the key symptoms - particularly blood in urine.
The NHS estimates around 550 people die from these cancers annually in the North East and Cumbria region, with around 1250 patients being diagnosed with diseases.
– Dr Debbie Ashcroft"Blood in your pee could be an early sign of kidney or bladder cancer. If you notice it, even if it happens just the once, don't make excuses, make an appointment with your doctor."
A recent online survey revealed only 24 % of people in the North East said they would visit their GP after seeing blood in their urine just once.The pilot will run for nine weeks on the TV and radio, as well as awareness raising events, targeting people over the age of 50 across the North East.
Full Report: Children champion young cancer sufferers
Both Cory Davison, from Blyth in Northumberland and Milly Bamber, from Cockermouth, in Cumbria, are putting themselves out to help young people suffering from cancer.
The pair have very different reasons for their charity drives.
But both hope they will inspire others.
You can see the full report from Kenny Toal below.
Blyth schoolboy helps spread Christmas cheer
A youngster from Northumberland is trying to collect as many donations of toys as possible to help bring a smile to the faces of children at Newcastle's RVI.
Cory Davison, from Blyth, is recovering from an aggressive brain tumour. But despite his own health problems he's desperate to help other children in hospital at this time of year.
He will visit there on Christmas morning, not opening his own presents until he gets back.
It's the second time that Cory has made Christmas morning trip. Today he was at John Lewis Store in Newcastle to collect another batch of donations.
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