STFC

One of the most complex and important 21st century challenges is the management and treatment of patients with cancer. The World Health Organisation estimates that cancer accounts for 1 in every 6 deaths worldwide, which makes it the second leading cause of death globally [1]. In addition to the devastating impact of this disease on patients and their families, the total annual global economic cost of cancer is estimated to be approximately £1 trillion [2]. The challenge will become even more prevalent in our ageing society, since the incidence of cancer rises significantly with age, whilst cellular repair mechanisms also become less effective. Reducing cancer mortality rates in our ageing global population could be achieved by earlier diagnosis and more accurate staging of disease. This has been highlighted nationally by the NHS National Cancer Transformation Board [3], the UK Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund ageing society programme [4] and the STFC Strategy for Cancer... The CDN..