Newcastle MP discovers the cancer prevention research taking place in her constituency
Our research portfolio spans a wide range of areas within cancer prevention. Today we’re spotlighting a lab-based study taking place in Newcastle. Local MP Chi Onwurah met Associate Professor Jill McKay, Professor Dianne Ford and Dr Jessica Saville from Northumbria University, to discuss their groundbreaking cancer prevention research.
Hosted at the university, Chi learned about cancer prevention at the molecular level through her engagement with Associate Professor Jill McKay and her team. World Cancer Research Fund awarded the team a £347,000 grant to conduct a laboratory-based study investigating whether folate levels in expectant mothers are linked to the development of leukaemia in their children. Folate is a B-vitamin naturally found in green leafy vegetables and liver, while its synthetic form, folic acid, is commonly used in supplements and fortified foods. Some studies suggest folic acid supplementation during pregnancy may help prevent childhood leukaemia; however, findings are not yet clear.
Leukaemia, a cancer of the blood, is the most common childhood cancer worldwide, responsible for 1 in 3 childhood cancers, and rates are slowly increasing. This important research could identify biological markers to help screen or monitor children at increased risk. Ultimately this could lead to earlier diagnosis which is closely tied to better outcomes for leukaemia patients. It could also result in improved nutritional guidelines for pregnancy.
Associate Professor Jill McKay, Principal investigator, Northumbria University
Rates of childhood leukaemia are slowly rising, which suggests some things in our environment may be contributing to this disease developing. Learning more about what factors can affect leukaemia and how they influence underlying biology can help us know which lifestyle changes we can make to aim to prevent and predict childhood leukaemia. However, none of this will be possible unless we liaise with policy makers, so we are delighted to meet with Chi today to share our exciting research.
Importantly, the researchers and MP discussed the study’s potential to influence nutritional guidelines during pregnancy, reduce the risk of childhood leukaemia, and support earlier diagnosis. As Chair of the Science, Innovation and Technology Committee, Chi Onwurah MP was particularly interested in hearing about the study’s progress, upcoming publications, and future plans following its completion.
