Researchers AmeliaandNeil arehonoured
TWO Drogheda natives were recognised for their work in breast cancer research when they made the final three of a prestigious Irish Cancer Society award.
Neil Conlon and Amelia Smith (pictured) presented their research at the 2017 Irish Cancer Society Research Awards, held on Thursday, November 30, in the House of Lords, Bank of Ireland, College Green, Dublin. The awards showcased some of the vital work being undertaken by researchers funded by the Irish Cancer Society.
Both researchers made it to the final three nominees for PhD Researcher of the Year at the ceremony, where cancer researchers were judged on how well they communicated their work to a general non-scientific audience.
The Irish Cancer Society is the leading voluntary funder of cancer research in Ireland. Through their donations the public funds more than 100 researchers across the country in the areas of cancer prevention, detection, treatment and survivorship.
The son of Geraldine and Frank Conlon, Neil attended St. Joseph’s CBS in Drogheda where his interest in science began. During his time at secondary school his family was affected by cancer and this shaped his future career choice. After studying Biology and Chemistry in Maynooth University, Neil began his PhD research in breast cancer in 2013.
The daughter of Olive and Michael Smith, Amelia attended Our Lady’s College, Greenhills. Thanks to her science teachers Mr Montgomery, Mrs Brennan, and Mrs Mulvihill, it was here where she first became interested in science and human biology. After studying Biomedical Sciences in Maynooth University, she undertook a Master’s in Translational Oncology in Trinity College Dublin before beginning her PhD research in breast cancer in 2014
Both Amelia’ and Neil’s research is funded through BREAST-PREDICT, the Irish Cancer Society’s €7.5 million collaborative cancer research centre that focusses exclusively on breast cancer research. Funded entirely by public donations, BREAST-PREDICT involves more than 50 researchers across the country pooling resources and expertise to get better outcomes for cancer patients.
Amelia’s research focusses on whether statins (cholesterol-lowering drugs) can have an effect in stopping breast cancer. She has used information from thousands of breast cancer patients in Ireland to determine whether women who’ve taken statins are more likely to survive their breast cancer
Amelia said: “The Breast-Predict collaboration has exposed me to many different types of breast cancer research, and allowed me to begin to establish my own career in a field called pharmacoepidemiology.
“Pharmacoepidemiology is the study of medicines in large numbers of people, and my own PhD focuses on the potential links between statins (cholesterol-lowering medications) and improved breast cancer survival. So far, I have found that statins are associated with improved breast cancer survival in women who began taking these medicines prior to their diagnosis. However, this research is part of a much bigger picture and we must still figure out exactly how this is happening.
“I am thoroughly grateful to the Irish Cancer Society for the funding to carry out this research, and for their ongoing support and encouragement through the process.”
Neil’s research focusses on HER2-positive breast cancer. Around 450 women in Ireland are diagnosed with this type of breast cancer each year. There are established treatments for HER2-positive breast cancer, but they don’t always work. Through his work in the lab, Neil has identified two new drug combinations which have the potential to treat those women who have found the already established treatments unsuccessful.
Neil added: “During my time with BREAST-PREDICT, I have worked to better understand the mechanisms of drug resistance in HER2-positive breast cancer.
“However, it hasn’t been all about the lab. I have run many of kilometres, baked numerous dodgy cakes and grew questionable moustaches as my way to help fundraise for the Irish Cancer Society. I am currently finishing up my PhD, which will be submitted in January and I hope to continue this work into the future.”
Neil and Amelia were two of six cancer researchers at PhD and Post-Doctorate level who pitched their projects to a packed audience of family, friends and Irish Cancer Society supporters. In announcing the awards, the judging panel commended all six for their strong communications skills in highlighting the importance of their work.
In praising Neil and Amelia’s work and presentations, Dr Isabella Bray, Cancer Research Manager at the Irish Cancer Society, highlighted the importance of communication as a tool for keeping the public aware of vital research which their donations fund:
“None of the vital research we fund would be possible without the support of the public. Since 2010 the Irish Cancer Society has invested €20 million into cancer research, so it’s really important that our funded researchers can show the public the impact their work is having. Just like the Irish Cancer Society, our cancer researchers won’t give up until cancer does.”