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The 100 faces of defiance in battle against cancer

Anna Davis, Education Correspondent
6 Jul 2009


Each face represents a story of the battle against cancer.

Assembled to celebrate 100 years of Europe's original and largest cancer research organisation, they are sufferers, survivors, celebrities, surgeons and scientists.

Behind each face lies a story of the increasing success in fighting the disease. From the mother raising awareness of prostate cancer after the death of her son to the cancer patient willing to try a new drug, each was pictured by the Institute of Cancer Research.


The ICR, in Chelsea and Sutton, has made some of the most important advances in the fight against the disease in the last century since it was set up as a small research department in the Royal Marsden Hospital.

Among the most important was the discovery of the link between smoking and lung cancer in the Forties, and the finding in 1964 by ICR scientists Peter Brookes and Philip Lawley that the basic cause of cancer is a malfunction in DNA.

Most recently scientists at the ICR discovered the gene BRCA2, which has been linked to breast cancer. This enables families with a history of the disease to be assessed for future risk. It is also working on genetic factors surrounding testicular cancer. In May researchers identified three DNA variants that could lead to the disease.

Martin Smith, head of public affairs at the Institute, said: "The ICR is one of the four most prolific in the world, and that is something London should be very proud of.

"Many of the most important discoveries in cancer research have happened at the ICR.

"This campaign aims to educate the public about the importance of cancer research. Some have sadly lost family members to the disease, while others tell of their positive outcome."

For more information go to www.icr100.org

'I stayed positive thanks to the doctors and nurses'

Namina Turay, 32, a breast cancer patient from Hammersmith, has no family history of cancer but was diagnosed after finding a lump last year.

She said: “I felt a lump in my right breast so went to my GP.” A biopsy showed the lump was a benign tumour, but she was sent for further tests. “A mammogram showed what looked like fireworks in my left breast. I had a biopsy straight away that confirmed it was breast cancer.”

Ms Turay underwent 11 hours of surgery, including a mastectomy and reconstruction. She had five months of chemotherapy and five weeks of radiotherapy. “I have always kept a positive attitude and put this down to the help and support of all the doctors, surgeons and nurses. Charities like the ICR need all the help they can get.”

'My biggest fear of all was telling my family'
Chris Baynes, 34, from Islington, was given the all-clear after fighting testicular cancer and raised £5,000 for Everyman male cancer campaign. He went to the doctor after discovering a lump on one testicle.

He said: “The doctor was as relaxed about it as I was, reassuring me it was probably just a cyst and referring me to a specialist. It wasn't until I went to hospital that anyone even mentioned the word cancer. But there it was.”

Mr Baynes had his testicle removed and underwent chemotherapy as the cancer had spread to his lungs.

He added: “My biggest fear through all of it was telling my family. My mum tried to be strong but I could see the fear in her eyes. The days and weeks after the chemo were some of the hardest but eventually I felt better and my future looks good. I have check-ups every three months.”

'My mother died from it, but I won't let it beat me'

Polly Dryden, 48, from Wimbledon had early-stage breast cancer diagnosed last October and underwent a mastectomy.

She said: “You always fear the big C' but I didn't realise the full effect it would have on my life. I have always tried to stay positive — there is still so much I want to do in my life and I won't let it beat me.

“My sister had been diagnosed with breast cancer at 37 which she recovered from only for it to come back 18 years later. My mother suffered from ovarian cancer, she passed away when I was nine. My husband's first wife died of colon cancer so my cancer came as a huge shock to him. I was given Tamoxifen to reduce the risk of the cancer recurring. Now I am back to work full time — I feel great.”

'I have such a personal connection to my work'
Dr Sarah Hockley, 32, from Dorking, lost her parents to cancer, inspiring her in her work as a postdoctoral student at the Institute of Cancer Research.

“I was 14 when my mum started to get very tired and began to suffer from bone pains,” she said. “The doctor believed this stemmed from a cyst but she was diagnosed with multiple myeloma — a cancer of the bone marrow.

“My dad was a lot more cautious after losing my mum, so five years later when he had trouble swallowing his food he went straight to the doctor. They discovered a cancerous tumour. My dad passed away when I was 25, which was a very difficult time.

“I think having such a personal connection has made my work very rewarding. Having lost both parents to cancer, I have a huge personal motivation for working at the ICR.”

Click here for more information at icr100.org

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