Our research in Belfast

A scientist performing an experiment in the lab

In Northern Ireland

  • Around 10,000 people are diagnosed with cancer each year.
  • We spent over £1m on life-saving research in 2022/23.
  • Cancer deaths have fallen by around 5% in the last 10 years.
  • Almost 55% of cancers with a known stage are diagnosed early.

We receive no government funding for our research. Our life-saving work relies on the money you give us.

Find out how you can help

Last year, we spent over £2m on our research in Belfast, where our researchers have particular expertise in bowel and oesophageal cancer and precision (personalised) medicine. Our research in these areas has already helped transform the lives of many people living with cancer. We also have a Senior Research Nurse in Belfast, who facilitates the delivery of high-quality clinical trials and studies, getting new treatments into the clinic sooner. 

Thanks to research, we’ve made great progress and today 1 in 2 people will survive their cancer for 10 years or more. And our ambitious goal is to see 3 in 4 surviving by 2034. Our research in Northern Ireland and across the UK will help bring forward a day when all cancers are cured.

 

What we're doing now

How we've made a difference so far

By sharing their expertise, scientists, doctors and nurses are improving the care of patients across Northern Ireland and beyond. For example, in Northern Ireland:

  • We have supported and continue to help fund the new Northern Ireland Biobank which collects and stores samples from many patients with different types of cancer. This biobank provides a valuable resource for scientists in Belfast and across the UK.
  • We’ve helped to fund the  Molecular Pathology Laboratory which is helping to diagnose cancers more accurately and support researchers developing precision (personalised) therapies.
  • Our Belfast scientists identified an important molecule known as c-FLIP, which stops bowel cancer cells responding to chemotherapy. With over 1,200 people diagnosed with bowel cancer in Northern Ireland every year, this discovery could have a huge impact on improving treatment for people with the disease.