Health News - Charity walk aiming to fund research into why chemotherapy stops working
Published: 21 April, 2011
by TOM FOOT
BREAST cancer treatment has come a long way since Cheryl Stakol was diagnosed in 1997.
But despite the success of her chemotherapy, the 62-year-old finds the treatment stops working and doctors have to try out a different approach.
This is the case for 40 per cent of patients, according to recent research.
Ms Stakol, who lives in Hampstead, has organised an annual charity walk across Hampstead Heath since 1997.
Hundreds of men, women and children get dressed up in pink for the big day which has raised £270,000 for cancer research.
This year’s walk is raising funds for research aiming to unlock the secrets of why chemotherapy stops working for some patients.
Ms Stakol said: “Each year, researchers apply for funding from us and it is all done very fairly. But this one really appeals to me. I do respond very well to chemotherapy. But what happens is that I have to be put on another one all the time. It keeps chopping and changing. It would be great to find out why.”
Dr Jeremy Blaydes, a researcher at the University of Southampton, is investigating why chemotherapy stops working for 40 per cent of patients.
His work involves testing a large number of potential new drugs known as “inhibitors” to find ones that could restore the effectiveness of chemotherapy and ultimately improve the chances of survival for many more women with breast cancer.
The Breast Cancer Campaign is calling for people to show their support for Ms Stakol’s event and join the 13th Generations Walk.
Ms Stakol said: “It’s a great day out with children’s entertainment and a sponsored picnic lunch for all. And your support will help benefit the 48,000 people who are sadly diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK each year.”
The 5k walk on Sunday, June 12, which starts at 11am, costs £10 for adults and £5 for under-12s.
Each walker receives a Generations Walk pink T-shirt, medal and get to join a special free picnic lunch in Kenwood House.
To find out more visit www.generationswalk.co.uk or call the events team on 020 7749 4114.