World Cancer Day: The importance of public engagement in research
Posted on: 04 February 2021
Researchers at the Trinity St James’s Cancer Institute (TSJCI) recognised World Cancer Day by encouraging patient participation in cancer research and highlighted the vital role of patients to enhance research and improve future outcomes.
The organised event: ‘Why are biobanks important in cancer research?’ was a free, open, online information seminar which saw the Institute’s ‘biobanking teams’ describe this important resource.
A biobank is a collection of samples, such as blood and tissue, and healthcare data which allows scientists answer important research questions, helping them to find new and improved ways to treat medical conditions, including cancer. Biobanks can speed up research by having samples and healthcare data ready to use when researchers need them. Samples are donated by patients to help researchers to better understand diseases and to develop new treatments for cancer.
Dr Sharon O’Toole, Senior Research Fellow, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin and the Trinity St James’s Cancer Institute said:
Every three minutes in Ireland, someone receives a cancer diagnosis, and every hour, someone dies from cancer. Education, awareness and the creation of national discourse are priorities for the Trinity St James’s Cancer Institute. Through educating and engaging with the public, we have a greater chance of tackling this disease. Events such as todays allow us, as researchers, to reach out to the public; to provide information, to explain the importance of research and how patients can get involved. Medical staff, researchers and patients will explain what biobanks are and show how they are needed to improve cancer research. All are welcome to the event.
Brian O’Mahony was one of the first patients to receive gene therapy in Ireland last year. This technology is a result of many years of research and has transformed the treatment of haemophilia. Similar approaches to treat cancer are also in the pipeline.
He said:
I was very pleased to be able to avail of a clinical trial for this potentially transformative therapy. My patient journey in this clinical trial to date has been greatly assisted by the expertise, commitment, professionalism and empathy of the teams at the Clinical Research Facility and National Coagulation Centre at St. James’s Hospital.
Billy McCann, a patient advocate, has worked with the biobanking groups in order to create awareness of biobanks and to streamline the information that is given to patients when they participate. Billy describes his experience and why he advocates for more people to participate in cancer research.
He said:
I have really enjoyed working with the Biobank group. I think that it is important for patients to be involved at an early stage in research projects. I would encourage anyone who is even slightly interested to get involved.