Yorkshire Cancer Research set to invest £5m in projects to help region’s patients

The investment, which coincides with the charity’s 90th anniversary, will help develop strategies and initiatives to reduce mortality rates in the area.

Figures from Public Health England show that premature deaths from cancer in Yorkshire are higher than the national average. The region also has below average five-year survival rates for many of the most common cancers.

Charles Rowett, chief executive officer of Yorkshire Cancer Research, said: “We are extremely excited to announce this special investment.”

The charity is inviting researchers to apply for funding in five areas, which include understanding health inequalities, improving education, awareness and prevention of cancer, and enhancing screening and early diagnosis methods.

Dr Yvette Oade, a trustee of Yorkshire Cancer Research and chief medical officer at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “Cancer outcomes across Yorkshire show significant differences which may be the result of variations in cancer screening uptake, access to treatments and the availability of clinical trials. Funding from Yorkshire Cancer Research could help us understand why these variations occur.”