Boost for bowel cancer research in Scotland as first surgical research chair appointed

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A leading medical college has joined forces with Bowel Cancer UK to establish Scotland’s first-ever Colorectal Cancer Surgical Research Chair in a move that will help drive forward vital research that could save the lives of thousands of people.  

The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd) and Bowel Cancer UK have jointly appointed Colorectal Surgeon Miss Farhat Din to support the position for four years.

Surgery is the most common treatment for bowel cancer and is central to curing the disease, especially when diagnosed early. In the new role, Professor Din and her team will aim to drive forward studies and trials aimed at early detection and prevention of bowel cancer, whilst developing treatment strategies that help prevent the disease.

In particular there will be a focus on hereditary and early onset colorectal cancer. Farhat Din, at the University Edinburgh, is a colorectal cancer surgeon whose research focus explores the interaction between obesity, environment genetics and cancer, with a strong focus on early diagnosis.

Announcing Miss Din’s appointment at Symposium Hall in Edinburgh last night, 20th April, members and delegates of the College, alongside Bowel Cancer UK volunteers and supporters, discussed how the appointment of Scotland’s new Surgical Research Chair will work to advance bowel cancer research across Scotland and increase opportunities for patients to shape and participate in the research.

Commenting on her appointment, Miss Din said: 

This is a fantastic opportunity to consolidate colorectal cancer research across Scotland and develop new studies that focus on early detection and prevention of bowel cancer. This commitment from Bowel Cancer UK and RCSEd will drive cancer research forward while providing the best possible options to patients. It is an honour to accept this role as Scotland’s first Colorectal Cancer Surgical Research Chair.

Miss Farhat Din

Dr Clare McNaught, RCSEd Vice-President and a Consultant General and Colorectal Surgeon, said: “I would like to offer my heartfelt congratulations to Miss Farhat Din on her appointment as Scotland’s first ever Colorectal Cancer Surgical Research Chair. This is an exciting development in the delivery of high-quality surgical clinical research for those diagnosed with bowel cancer.

“We are fully committed to supporting surgical research to deliver the best outcomes for patients and to have jointly supported this crucial investment, where funding had been previously lacking. This partnership with Bowel Cancer UK marks a very important milestone in implementing and leading colorectal surgical trials that could help save the lives of thousands of people across the country.

“The ultimate ambition is to bring hope to the thousands of people who are diagnosed with bowel cancer each year.”

Miss Din is currently Principal Investigator, Reader and Honorary Consultant Colorectal Surgeon at Edinburgh Cancer Research at the Institute of Genetics and Cancer.

Genevieve Edwards, Chief Executive at Bowel Cancer UK, said: “More than 1,700 people die from bowel cancer every year in Scotland, making it the country’s second biggest cancer killer, but it doesn’t have to be this way.

“Farhat’s wealth of experience in bowel cancer research focused on early diagnosis, and delivering high quality surgical clinical trials will help to ensure more people in Scotland, and beyond, survive a diagnosis of the disease. Her appointment will have real benefit to bowel cancer patients by advancing new surgical techniques and treatments.”

Links

• Farhat Din Research Group