23 October 2013
'National Screening for Bowel Cancer' - Cafe Science on October 28th
One of the UK's leading authorities on bowel cancer will speak at the next Cafe Science event and explain how the development
of bowel screening has helped to save many lives, and how more can be saved as the process is refined.
Professor Steele, Head of Cancer Research and Professor of Surgery at the University of Dundee, will deliver a talk entitled
'National Screening for Bowel Cancer - Idea to Reality' at Chambers Coffee House & Restaurant from 7pm on Monday, 28th October.
He said, 'About 30 years ago it was recognised that the presence of bowel cancer could be detected by testing for traces
of blood in stool, and that this might be utilised for screening. In the intervening period there has been an international
research effort to determine whether or not population screening for bowel cancer really prevents deaths from the disease,
and whether or not it is feasible.
'As a result of this effort, National Screening Programmes are now in place across the UK and in several countries in
the world, and Scotland was the first to offer screening to the whole population. The process is not perfect, however,
and there is on-going research aimed at improving the performance of the screening programme.'
Cafe Science was launched in January 2008, and has attracted 5000 visitors since then. The monthly events are informal
discussions led by leading local researchers that allow members of the public the opportunity to learn more about the
ground-breaking science at the Universities of Dundee, St Andrews and Abertay, the James Hutton Institute, and Dundee
Science Centre.
'National Screening for Bowel Cancer - Idea to Reality' takes place at Chambers, South Tay Street, from 7pm on Monday,
28th October. The event is free and open to all. There is no need to book in advance but an early arrival is recommended.
More information is available at www.cafesciencedundee.co.uk
For media enquiries contact:
Grant Hill
Press Officer
University of Dundee
Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4HN
TEL: 01382 384768
E-MAIL: g.hill@dundee.ac.uk
MOBILE: 07854 953277 |
