Tyne Tees Prostate Cancer

The University of York has been awarded nearly £200,000 to carry out prostate cancer research.

Funds from the 'Movember Foundation' and Prostate Cancer UK will go towards trying to find a treatment for advanced forms of the illness.

Scientists in the region have made a major breakthrough in finding out how prostate cancer starts.

The team from the University of York have confirmed a link between stem cells and the cancer itself.

In years to come the findings of their research could revolutionise the way patients are treated.

You can watch the full report from Claire Montgomery below.

Brian Richardson from York is welcoming today's announcement.

He had surgery after being diagnosed with prostate cancer last year.

He said:

"At the time I was diagnosed, it was either a matter of getting radiotherapy, chemotherapy and I took the decision to have the prostate removed because the cancer was within the prostate.

"But, in years to come, with the research that has been talked about today, it means there is a likelihood they can treat the cancer chemically without having to remove the gland."

Research carried out by scientists at the University of York has identified the driving force behind the development of prostate cancer.

The prostate cancer research has been funded by Yorkshire Cancer Research who gave over two million pounds to the unit in August 2011 to fund a five year programme.

The new discovery now means that scientists can work towards the development of drugs that specifically target stem cells and more effectively work against the root cause of the disease.

Scientists based at the University of York have discovered what could be the driving force behind why people develop prostate cancer.

The research - which has been published today - reveals the existence of DNA formation which could go on to cause prostate cancer.

The discovery means that treatment can now be developed to fight the disease more effectively.