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The funding we have received from Children with Cancer UK will greatly strengthen research into the link between traffic pollution and cancer. Our research has already proven that air pollution is damaging the growth of babies in the womb contributing to 20% of low birth weight babies, and up to 25% of childhood asthma cases.In Bristol, scientists will be using state of the art technology to monitor air pollution in Bristol and Bangkok, specifically looking at the prevalence of carcinogens within the samples. At the same time, scientists at the Chulabhorn Research Institute, will be monitoring levels of air pollution near maternity hospitals in Bangkok that pregnant mothers are exposed to. At birth, samples will be taken from the mother, and the umbilical cord of the child in order to identify whether the trans-placental transfer of carcinogens has taken place. Project researcher Dr James Matthews of the University of Bristol said:
This project is the first of its kind. While more and more evidence is beginning to show that there is a link between particulate matter and cancer, this research will ask the question: “can we demonstrate causation between exposure to ultra-fine particulate matter during pregnancy and the development of childhood cancer?CEO of Children with Cancer UK Mark Brider, commented:
Every year, Children with Cancer UK invests more than £3 million in life-saving research into the causes, prevention and treatment of childhood cancer, and works to protect young lives. Our mission is threefold: cause, care and cure. Childhood cancers are very different to those found in adults but just 3% of cancer research funding is spent on childhood cancer. In late 2018 Children with Cancer UK advertised a grant call worth £2.5 million for projects investigating the causal, promotional factors and possible preventative actions relating to the risk of cancer in children and young people. These research projects came from this call and we hope that they will increase our understanding of the genetic, environmental causes and biological mechanisms of cancer in children and young people.Editors’ Notes Children with Cancer UK’s press office E: media@childrenwithcancer.org.uk T: 0207 404 0808 M: 07 795 956 342 About Children with Cancer UK Children with Cancer UK is the leading national charity dedicated to research into childhood cancer. We fund research into the causes and treatment of childhood cancers and provide support for families affected by childhood cancer. We have accelerated breakthroughs to improve childhood cancer survival rates and find kinder, more effective treatments with fewer toxic side effects. This ground-breaking research, which would otherwise go unfunded, saves the lives of children with cancer. About childhood cancer and Children with Cancer UK’s impact Every day in the UK, 12 children and young people are diagnosed with cancer. Fifty years ago, only 30% of children with leukaemia survived, and for most other forms of childhood cancer survival rates were even lower. Today, thanks to our supporters and the dedication of visionary researchers like those we fund, more than 80% of young patients can be successfully treated. More vital research is needed though as there are still a number of cancers affecting children and young people with low survival rates and life-limiting side effects. Cancer remains the single largest cause of death from disease in children and young people in the UK.
Increasing the effectiveness of radiotherapy for children with neuroblastoma
Radiotherapy is a type of cancer treatment where high-energy radiation, such as x-rays, is directed towards parts of the
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