Cancer Research Golf Classic – Quinta Do Lago – Portugal

From the 30th of May to the 1st June, the inaugural Cancer Research Golf Classic will take place in the stunning surroundings of Quinta Do Lago, Portugal were lovers of golf will flock to play on one of the worlds premier courses in support of the National Breast Cancer Research Institute.

We will have lots more about the event shortly but in the meantime we have a few words about the importance of research from our Director of Research, Prof Micheal Kerin.

A Message from Director of Research, Prof Micheal Kerin

Cancer is the commonest cause of death in Ireland, affecting 50% of the population, and is responsible for 30% of all deaths. To combat the cancer pandemic, Europe has a “beating cancer plan,” a cancer manifesto for 2024 that strives to create a network of Comprehensive Cancer centres by 2030. As part of the National Development Plan, Galway University Hospital is promised a Cancer Centre, along with the establishment of a regional network. This network is particularly crucial for the West of Ireland, where cancer outcomes are currently the lowest in the country. It aims to address this issue by providing improved support and resources, especially for common cancers like lung and breast, which have historically shown lower survival rates in this region. This will augment the existing centres and ensure Ireland has much better treatment and research.

This Cancer Centre will require research support to ensure participation in clinical trials, and the discovery of biomarkers that enable personalised approaches to targeting cancer. Additionally, the Cancer Centre aims to establish the development of biobanking facilities for storing blood and tumour tissue samples from participating cancer patients across a range of cancers. These efforts will contribute to the fight against cancer by collaborating with other Irish and European cancer centres.

All great research begins and ends with a clinical problem, and this cancer fundraiser will allow us to develop strategies to improve outcomes for cancer patients. We will be able to take part in cancer prevention studies, improve early detection, develop personalised approaches to diagnosis and treatment, and ensure that cancer care on the island of Ireland is less regionally imbalanced. By providing funding, we will contribute to major national and international cancer studies and recruit and develop some of the best cancer researchers.

Please support our inaugural invitational golf classic in Quinta do Lago. All funds raised will go directly to the National Breast Cancer Research Institute (NBCRI). This fundraiser is crucial to us and will undoubtedly save lives with advanced research and improved treatment. This research funding was never more needed, as it will allow us to achieve European accreditation and future-proof cancer care on the island of Ireland.