'Tache for Cash

This November we are calling on all you gents out there to ditch the razor and let it grow, let it grow, as part of our ‘Tache for Cash campaign.  By growing a moustache, goatee, beard or any other facial hair that tickles your whiskers, you’ll be supporting the work that we do to support local men with prostate cancer. 

Every day in Northern Ireland 3 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer.  The good news is that the Cancer Centre is one of the leading hospital’s in the world in the treatment of prostate cancer, with some of the best doctors, nurses, radiographers and researchers.  Friends of the Cancer Centre is also here, supporting the amazing work that staff in the Cancer Centre are already undertaking. 

Friends of the cancer Centre plays a vital part in prostate cancer care and research.  From funding two doctors who specialise in prostate cancer, to funding research and clinical trials at the Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology at Queen’s University; our work directly benefits patients here and now. 

Take a look at just some of the great things we are able to do to support local prostate cancer patients thanks to your support:

Our consultant oncologist, Dr Suneil Jain has been funded by Friends of the Cancer Centre since 2013 and he specialises in the treatment of prostate cancer. He delivers advanced external beam radiotherapy and is one of two oncologists in Northern Ireland who treats patients with prostate brachytherapy (internal radiotherapy).   Not only does he treat patients, his role is fully integrated with lab-based research at Queen’s University and he investigates new treatments and techniques for treating prostate cancer. 

Our research fellow Dr Phil Turner has been funded by Friends of the Cancer Centre for three years and his work focuses on researching new ways to treat advanced prostate cancer.  Dr Turner is currently working with our trustee, Professor Joe O’Sullivan and Friends of the Cancer Centre’s Consultant Clinical Oncologist, Dr Suneil Jain on a new trial, the first of its kind in the world which will offer a highly targeted treatment option for men with advanced prostate cancer. 

Through our partnership with the Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology at Queen’s University, Friends of the Cancer Centre will invest nearly £1million into research over the next 3 years. The investment has allowed the CCRCB to recruit new staff to plan and deliver clinical trials, some in prostate cancer.  The new posts will allow for further research of world leading cancer trials, an increase in patient recruitment numbers and ultimately improved outcomes for cancer patients.

Providing hospital staff with the vital equipment they need to treat patinets is another major way Friends of the Cancer Centre is making an impact.  In 2009 Friends of the Cancer Centre purchased an ultrasound probe which is used by the medical team in the Cancer Centre to detect and treat prostate cancer and some gynaecological cancers.  The probe is an essential part of the brachytherpy (internal radiotherapy) service delivered in the hospital and the equipment has allowed staff to see and treat more patients, reducing waiting times as a result.

We couldn’t do any of this without your support.  If you’d like to help us continue this great work, and have some fun while you do it, why not grow a ‘tache to raise some cash for us?  Find out more how you can get involved here or give us a call on 028 9069 9393 for a fundraising pack.