Scotland's first cancer research centre opens

The centre will be based at Dundee's Ninewells Hospital

The first Cancer Research UK centre to open in Scotland is being launched in Dundee's Ninewells Hospital.

The Cancer Research UK Centre will focus on developing treatments for bowel, breast and skin cancer.

The charity will contribute more than £7.5m a year to the project, which will bring together experts from Dundee University, the charity and the NHS.

Its launch coincides with World Cancer Day 2010 which aims to raise awareness about cancer prevention.

Professor Irene Leigh, head of the university's college of medicine, dentistry and nursing and chair of the new centre's board, said: "This is a very exciting development for cancer research in Scotland.

"The new centre will help us bring together a variety of researchers and clinicians to collaborate and work together to improve the lives of cancer patients across Scotland.

Funding these centres of excellence is one of the charity's priorities Harpal Kumar Cancer Research UK chief executive

"By building closer links between scientists and doctors we want to increase the pace of research, leading to improved treatments for patients."

The new Cancer Research UK Centre in Dundee joins others in Newcastle, Cardiff, Liverpool, Belfast and London, which focus on different areas of research. It is hoped centres may eventually open in Glasgow and Edinburgh.

The charity said it hoped the lab would lead to the development of an international hub for research into the most serious type of skin cancer, melanoma.

Harpal Kumar, chief executive of Cancer Research UK, said: "Funding these centres of excellence is one of the charity's priorities and will enable us to work towards the goals we have set to improve the treatment and survival of cancer patients."

'Always thankful'

Cancer Research UK said that latest figures showed that about 27,000 cancer cases were diagnosed in Scotland each year while more than 15,000 people north of the border die from cancer every year.

Cancer survivors welcomed the news of the new centre.

Jim Scott, 62, from Dundee, needed extensive surgery after he was diagnosed with bowel cancer, although his cancer was diagnosed early.

He said: "Cancer research is so important. It is really great news that Dundee, where I was treated, is becoming the first Cancer Research UK centre in Scotland.

"I'll always be thankful for the screening tests and the incredible skills of everyone who helped me through my cancer experience."