Cancer Statistics

The Way Forward/Future

The good news is that new treatments and better detection mean that patients will be much more likely to survive.

Our Vision

"Our vision is to be in a position to treat patients in a more tailored way, with customised drugs, targeted treatments and diagnostic options that are less toxic and more effective, so that each cancer and each patient is treated individually. The Translational Research Centre will help us to achieve our vision." Professor David Barlow, Executive Dean of Medicine, University of Glasgow

There are three key factors in the equation to solve cancer:

Translational research – converting basic research into improvements in patients lives by turning knowledge into cures. Basic scientific research that explores the mechanisms of cancer, and seeks ways to understand, prevent and cure it Clinical care that enables patients to fight and survive their illness

Recent huge investment has meant that the first two of the three are now in place with a clinical facility at the Southern General Hospital, the Beatson Oncology Centre at Gartnavel where patients go for post-operative treatment, the Glasgow Biobank which provides blood and tissue and the scientific research facility, the Beatson Institute at Garscube in Glasgow. This investment has transformed the rating and standing of cancer in Glasgow where there now exists a concentration of scientists of international standing working towards a common goal.

The Translational Research Centre at the University of Glasgow will be the third and vital factor, spanning the journey from the scientists in the lab to the patients in the clinic. It will be a much needed catalyst for accelerating the process of understanding the disease, improving existing therapies and identifying new ones, and bringing them to patients.