Steve’s tireless battle in the quest to conquer cancer

PIONEERING research... Oldham scientist Steve Lyons is working on ways to fight cancer

FOR more than 20 years Steve Lyons has worked in research teams trying to better understand cancer and ways to treat it.

Currently a senior scientific officer funded by Cancer Research UK at the Manchester Cancer Research Centre in Withington, Steve (45) is part of a team exploring new ways of understanding how prostate cancer develops, so new ways can be found to treat it.

The Grasscroft father of three spends his working days in the lab, analysing data from around the world and conducting experiments.

“My current research is about understanding the changes in cells that lead to cancer,” he explained. “My research is about opening the lid on what has gone wrong. Once we’ve identified the problems in detail we can work towards finding a treatment.

“We are also looking at why some cancer drugs sometimes stop working for some people and what we can do to address this.

“We have treatments for prostate cancer, but they can be tough on patients. We’re trying to develop a test that can predict who will go on to develop aggressive cancer and which cancers will remain stable and never cause harm.”

He was previously involved in research into viruses and cervical cancer - which led to the HPV vaccine now given to schoolgirls across the UK to reduce their risk of cervical cancer.

Steve, a former Blue Coat School pupil, is also driven by his personal experience. His mother Sue died of bowel cancer in 2008.

He said: “As scientists we are not immune to cancer — it affects us too.”

Steve also puts his passion about raising awareness by regularly talking to fundraisers supporting cancer research in the area. He also raised money by running in Cancer Research UK’s Relay for Life run in Stockport

Steve explains: “Our research is so important, because cancer affects a massive number of people. And not just those with the cancer, but also everyone around them. That’s what drives our fundraisers and that’s what drives scientists.”

Leading cancer charities Cancer Research UK, Breast Cancer Care, Anthony Nolan and the Movember Foundation, have joined forces for World Cancer Day on 4 February.

The four are encouraging people across Oldham to pick up a “Unity Band” (£2) from www.worldcancerday.co.uk and wear it that day.