Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea supports local cancer research

Posted 2 years ago 3 Minute(s) to read

Today Cancer Council ACT has announced grant funding for two vital cancer research projects being undertaken in Canberra. As part of Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea Their Excellencies, General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd) Governor–General of the Commonwealth of Australia and Mrs Linda Hurley hosted a special event at Government House on the morning of Thursday 19 May 2022 for Cancer Council ACT, to make this important announcement.

Cancer Council ACT is dedicated to contributing to the world class cancer research that happens right here in Canberra through our annual Research Grant Funding Program. This year these grants have been awarded to Dr. Anukriti Mathur and team, and Dr Rita Ferreira and team, both from the John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University.

L-R: Dr Paul Craft (CCACT Board), Professor Si Ming Man, Her Excellency Mrs Linda Hurley, Dr Anukriti Mathur, His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd), Roger Buckley (CCACT Board President)

Dr. Mathur’s project is investigating the role of immune proteins in preventing and protecting against bowel cancer. Findings from this study will help to generate new diagnostic screening tools and immunotherapies for cancer.

Dr Mathur states, “As an early career female researcher, being a recipient of this grant will not only progress my experimental work but will also accelerate my scientific career.”

“The research from this grant is directly relevant to cancer biology and provide answers to important questions concerning the causes, and potentially diagnosis, treatment or prevention of cancer.”

L-R: Dr Paul Craft (CCACT Board), Her Excellency Mrs Linda Hurley, Professor Elizabeth Gardiner, Dr Amandeep Kaur, Dr Rita Ferreira, His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd), Roger Buckley (CCACT Board President)

Dr Ferreira’s project will explore the use of new and effective anti-cancer drugs to help prevent the reduction of blood platelet numbers caused by chemotherapy and allow cancer treatments to continue, improving outcomes and quality of life for patients.

Dr Ferreira states, “Being awarded this grant will enable my research to continue to develop novel therapies for incurable cancers as well as to progress in my career towards becoming an independent researcher.”

“Identifying new drugs that prevent the reduction of platelets in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy will allow treatment to continue, improving quality of life and the chances of remission.”

Research Committee Chair and Cancer Council ACT Board member Dr Paul Craft says, “A crucial part of reducing the impact of cancer is to support research into cancer. Cancer Council ACT research grants are specifically targeted to help local early career cancer researchers develop their research in Canberra’s universities and hospitals. This new knowledge enhances cancer prevention and treatment, and we are proud of the excellent cancer research conducted in the ACT.”

Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea is officially held May 19, although people are encouraged to host a Biggest Morning Tea with their friends, at their workplace or in their community anytime throughout May and June.

Funds raised by hosts in the ACT go directly to the work Cancer Council ACT does to support those impacted by cancer in Canberra. This includes the ability to provide annual grant funding for vital cancer research.