The
Oncology Department also has the first dedicated Research Unit
in the Trust, established by Professor Jill Mann in 1984. We
carry out studies into trends and patterns of childhood cancer
in the region, using information back to 1957, in order to give
us a better understanding of what causes the disease. We have
published many papers in medical journals and given presentations
at local, national and international conferences. We enjoy strong
links with scientific colleagues at the University of Birmingham
Institute, with whom we undertake several collaborative studies
into the molecular biology, or genetics, of the disease. Survival
rates of childhood cancers have improved dramatically over the
last 30 years and we are now undertaking research into the long-term
effects of the disease and its treatment, thus benefiting both
present and long term future patients. The Research unit has
been funded largely from donations and we continue to welcome
all contributions.
