Cancer Council ACT will fund two vital cancer research projects in Canberra at the Australian National University.
Governor-General David Hurley AC DSC and his wife Linda hosted a special event at Government House this morning to make the announcement as part of Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea, a major fundraising campaign by the Cancer Council to support research.
Cancer Council ACT aims to reduce the incidence and impact of cancer in the ACT region. Its annual Research Grant Funding Program helps local early career cancer researchers develop their world-class research in Canberra’s universities and hospitals.
This year, these grants were awarded to Dr Anukriti Mathur and team, and Dr Rita Ferreira and team, both from the John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University.
Dr Mathur’s project investigates how DNA-repairing immune proteins prevent and protect against bowel cancer. An estimated 20,000 Australians were diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2020, but treatments are currently limited to surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Findings from this study will generate new diagnostic screening tools and immunotherapies for cancer.
Dr Mathur said that as an early career female researcher, the grant would progress her experimental work and accelerate her scientific career.
“The research from this grant is directly relevant to cancer biology, and provides answers to important questions concerning the causes, and potentially diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of cancer,” she said.
Dr Ferreira’s project explores how anti-cancer drugs prevent chemotherapy from reducing blood platelet numbers, which increases risks of serious bleeding. When platelets fall, the treatment is immediately stopped, limiting chances of recovery. But Dr Ferreira’s team will investigate new drugs that kill rapid growth cancer cells and increase platelet numbers in the blood, so cancer treatments can continue for patients, improving the chances of remission.
Dr Ferreira said the grant would enable her research to develop novel therapies for incurable cancers, and to progress in her career towards becoming an independent researcher.
Supporting research into cancer is a crucial part of reducing the impact of cancer, argues Dr Paul Craft, Research Committee Chair and Cancer Council ACT Board member.
“This new knowledge enhances cancer prevention and treatment, and we are proud of the excellent cancer research conducted in the ACT,” Dr Craft said.
Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea is officially held today, 19 May, although people are encouraged to host a Biggest Morning Tea with their friends, at their workplace, or in their community any time in May or June.
Funds raised by hosts in the ACT go directly to Cancer Council ACT’s work supporting those impacted by cancer in the Canberra region. This includes annual grant funding for vital cancer research.
To host a Biggest Morning tea, register online at www.biggestmorningtea.com.au
