Top researchers wanted to end cancer inequality in Yorkshire city

THE HUNT is on for some of the country’s best researchers to tackle inequalities in a Yorkshire city with some of the worst cancer outcomes in the country.

Hull York Medical School wants to appoint 11 researchers as part of a £4.9m programme at the Allam Medical Building at the University of Hull, funded by Yorkshire Cancer Research.

They will be looking at issues including why so many local people report to their GPs with advanced cancer.

In 2016 just over a quarter of patients in the city were diagnosed with Stage 4 disease, in which the cancer has spread to other organs.

Professor Una Macleod, dean of Hull York Medical School, said: “Cancer incidence, mortality and survival rates are often worse for those living in Yorkshire than across England as a whole, and they are especially bad in Hull.

“The picture worsens for the elderly and for those from socially deprived communities.

“This programme will help us understand why these differences exist, and how to reduce inequalities, speed up referrals and improve access to care and treatment.”

There are opportunities for dietitians, cancer nurses, GPs and medical practitioners, as well as senior researchers and three prestigious career development fellowships.

Dr Kathryn Scott, chief executive at Yorkshire Cancer Research, said they believed they could have a “significant impact” by making sure people knew how to spot signs and symptoms of cancer and making sure screening appointments were attended.

They would also work with GPs to ensure “they are able to refer possible cancer patients to hospital as quickly as possible”.