New equipment to study genes in breast cancers and three new breast cancer research projects are on the way for Aberdeen thanks to the efforts of thousands of North East women.
Around 1,500 pink clad walkers took to the streets of Fraserburgh for the fourth Moonlight Prowl – a fundraising half marathon and 10k which raises cash for breast cancer research at the University of Aberdeen.
This latest walk – which took place in June – raised almost £125,000 which is being handed to the University tonight (September 3) by Prowl organisers. This brings the total their event has raised over the last four years for breast cancer research at the University to £345,000.
Professor Steve Heys, Cancer Research Programme Leader at the University, is meeting organisers tonight at the Institute of Medical Sciences.
He said: “The organisers of the Moonlight Prowl, together with all the walkers who have taken part, have raised an absolutely incredible sum of money for breast cancer research taking place right here on their doorstep.
“We are extremely lucky to receive this money which is funding world leading research into a disease that affects 41,000 women every year and more than 400 each year in the North East.
“This latest cheque will enable us to buy new equipment that will allow us to examine genes in cancerous tissue and how abnormalities in them can lead to the disease and can be used to predict or identify women with the disease or at risk of disease.
“Prowl money is already funding four key breast cancer studies but thanks to this latest donation we will be able to launch another three important research projects that we will give us more clues in our efforts to find more effective ways of treating and preventing breast cancer.”
The three new projects will:
· Examine the links between obesity and breast cancer and look at whether keeping weight off after breast cancer treatment helps prevent the disease from recurring
· Look at the relationship between vitamin D and breast cancer – an important study for the North of Scotland because of the lack of sunlight in winter which is necessary for the body to make vitamin D
· Explore the breast cancer treatment journey from the perspective of the family
Margaret Jane Cardno, Event Secretary for the Prowl, added: “Every year the Moonlight Prowl committee continue to be overwhelmed by the generosity of those who support the event. 2009 was another record breaking year with over 1,500 ladies working hard to raise much needed funds for vital medical and scientific research into breast cancer. We are extremely proud of the unique partnership we have with the University of Aberdeen and Aberdeen Royal Infirmary and are committed to funding the continued promotion and creation of exciting new facilities for 21st century learning and research.”
The Moonlight Prowl began in 2006 and attracted 300 women walkers. The following year the number of participants had tripled to 900. The third walk attracted 1,200 women and 1,500 women took part in this year’s walk which takes place through the night.