More than 40,000 people helped the University mark World Cancer Day.

Earlier in February University events and activities to mark World Cancer Day got people talking, both face to face and on social media. Engaging campaigns saw more than 40,000 people viewing our dedicated content, a four-fold increase in user engagement for an average month for the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health who led on organising the event.

Equally impressive were visitor numbers to the public exhibition on campus where health professionals were on hand to help extract and identify DNA types, assesses current cancer risks based on a novel new diagnosis or to offer advice and practical tips on how making small dietary and lifestyle changes could help to reduce cancer risks and achieve life enhancing health benefits. A constant stream of visitors also helped themselves to the free fruit which was a reminder that 40% of all cancers can be prevented by diet and lifestyle, with prevention and earlier detection being one of the event’s ‘take home’ messages.

This was the first time that the University had marked World Cancer Day on such a scale or worked collaboratively with key partners such as MAHSC, The Christie and CRUK to ensure that the full spectrum of cancer research was represented, from innovative prevention strategies to impactful and life changing therapies and treatments.

Cancer is one of the University’s five research beacons, examples of world-class, interdisciplinary research that set us apart from other research-intensive institutions.

For further information please visit the Cancer research beacon webpage.