World Cancer Day Derry conference

Derry's Hive Cancer Support charity is hosting a conference in the city to mark World Cancer Day.

The event will take place in the City Hotel this Friday coming, February 2.

The aim of the Hive Cancer Support World Cancer Day conference is to share the latest research in this field.

It will bring together renowned speakers and experts to help people gain knowledge and insight into the connections between cancer and the environment, relationships, nutrition and emotional wellbeing. Guests will have the chance to engage directly with researchers.

Maureen Collins, Hive Cancer Support Project Manager, explained: "Presenting the conference in this style is another first for Hive Cancer Support and reflects our focus on expanding understanding of the latest research on cancer.

“We wanted to use this approach, rather than a traditional conference, because it allows people to engage in discussions, ask questions, and expand their understanding of the topic by talking directly to the speakers about their research.

“This year we will have our youngest ever speaker, Kaycee Deery  - a pupil at St Mary’s College in Derry named Young Scientist of the Year 2023 for her work developing an environmentally friendly sunscreen.

“Kaycee was inspired to create sunscreens based on natural ingredients after seeing articles detailing potentially harmful chemicals in commercial sunscreens entering UK water systems," said Ms Collins.

The Hive conference has also attracted some of the leading names in cancer research.

"We have four prominent researchers from Ulster University," said Maureen Collins. "We recently collaborated with Ulster University on a community led cancer and mental health project funded by The Ideas Fund, which resulted in the creation of the ‘We Carry On’ sunflower mural at Quayside Shopping Centre on the Strand Road.

"Dr Carrie Flannagan, Lecturer in the School of Nursing and Paramedic Science, Ulster University, and a key part of the collaborative project team with Hive Cancer Support, will present the findings publicly for the first time at the conference.

"Ulster University’s Professor of Clinical Cancer Nursing, Cherith Semple will provide an overview of current research being conducted by the Cancer Care Research Group.

"This dynamic group of researchers at Ulster University is seeking to make a positive impact on the lives of patients and family members affected by cancer.  The main areas of research are improving the quality of life for patients with head and neck cancer and their carers, facilitating family-centred communication when a parent has cancer with dependent children, and maximising sexual wellbeing after cancer," said Maureen Collins.

Ulster University’s Dr Jeff Hanna, Research Associate and Registered Nurse with the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust, will also share insights from the Family-centred Cancer Care programme of research, focusing on how professionals can support parents with cancer to communicate with and support their children, under 18.  

In addition, Dr Pamela Magee, Senior Lecturer in Human Nutrition at Ulster University will present a talk on soya isoflavones and breast cancer, addressing some of misconceptions in this area.

Maureen Collins added the conference would also include poster presentations from Dr Scott Jones on the impacts of UK agricultural air pollution on human health; Helen Lynn of WEN (Women’s Environmental Network) advocating for legislation to cover the health and waste impacts of all period products; and Steve Wright, VP of the FBU (Fire Brigades Union), on the work of the union to drive down cancer rates among its members.

She said: "Hive Cancer Support is also hosting a second World Cancer Day event at the Inishowen Gateway Hotel On Tuesday, February 6 to highlight the services available for people in Donegal affected by a cancer diagnosis.

"It will also showcase the cross border work of Hive Cancer Support and include a round table discussion on gaps in the current cancer services in Donegal, which will inform the charity’s future work in this area.

"Speakers will include Donegal Cancer Care West and Friends of Inishowen Hospice.

"This event will held at the Inishowen Gateway Hotel and is also a free to attend and includes a complementary lunch."

To book a free place at Hive Cancer Support's World Cancer Day Conference at Derry’s City Hotel on Friday, February 2, from 11am to 2pm, (complementary lunch served), click HERE and follow the links. 

To book at a place at Hive Cancer Support's World Cancer Day Conference in Buncrana’s Inishowen Gateway Hotel on Tuesday, February 6, from 10.30am to 2.00pm, (complementary lunch served), click HERE and follow the links.

To learn more about Hive Cancer Support go to www.hivecancersupport.co.uk.