'Survive and Thrive' - exciting new research

The Survive and Thrive project is expected to take an international lead in examining the effects cancer treatments can have on survivors. The Laura Crane Trust is helping to fund this unique initiative by the Late Effects Group at Weston Park.

The need for this work has come about largely due to the success in treating cancer. But while survival rates for patients with many cancers are improving, the aggressive action of some treatments means some patients can go on to experience physical and psychological effects, known as 'late effects'.

This programme of research will look at the best way to manage the clinical needs of long-term cancer survivors, study the prevalence of certain late effects and examine the anxiety faced by patients when informed about the risk of late effects.

Dr Diana Greenfield, whose post is being funded by The Laura Crane Trust stresses that one of the great strengths of this programme is the fact it brings together so many specialists and health care professionals from a wide range of disciplines;- medical consultants, nurses, psychologists and other professionals.

Sarah Ferguson, the Dutchess of York with Trust Founder, Jacquie Roeder and Fundraiser, Helen Mervill at the official opening of the new unit at Weston Park.

The Laura Crane Trust also awarded £28,000 to Weston Park Cancer hospital towards the cost of a new, purpose built teenage cancer unit. 80% of the costs for this building were provided by the Teenage Cancer Trust and the hospital were asked to find the remaining 20%. The Laura Crane Trust has funded the examination room, a vital part of the whole building which, in keeping with the rest of the unit, is as ‘un-hospital-like’ as is possible.