World Cancer Day unites the globe in the fight against cancer. To recognise the day, here’s some of the research our scientists & academics have been working on. Our wider student and staff bodies have also been involved; see how below.

Guidance to support cancer patients returning to work

Academics from the NCSEM were last year commissioned by IOSH to produce a set of guidelines for employers to help support those who had battled cancer to return to work. It focuses on tailoring care to individual needs, rather than a blanket approach, and asks managers to recognise a change in capacity, as well as the need to be flexible. You can read the full report on the IOSH website.

Loughborough smashes national record for stem cell donor recruitment

In case you missed it, last year we made a lot of noise about #SpitHappens, a collaborative event with LSU, Anthony Nolan & the Rik Basra Leukaemia Campaign, aimed to recruit as many people aged 16-30 to join the Anthony Nolan register. Anthony Nolan helps people who have blood disorders or blood cancer to find a stem cell transplant match.

It was a resounding success with over 2,000 people joining in just 12 hours. As an added bonus, we set the new record for registrations at a university in one day. Want to find out more? Look into Loughborough Marrow, our student society working in partnership with Anthony Nolan.

Cramming weekly exercise into one or two sessions lowers risk of death

SSEHS research last year showed ‘weekend warriors’ are at a lower risk of death from all causes, including cancer. Squeezing the recommended 150 minutes of activity into one or two sessions per week rather than shorter but more frequent bouts didn’t show much difference, and overall the study shows the least risk came from adults who were regularly active.

Exploring the benefits of Race for Life

Last year our researchers ran a number of groups across the East Midlands to help women prepare for a Race for Life event, and examine the benefits of doing so through a number of sessions. Mass participation fundraising events, alongside the benefits for the charity, could also have a huge untapped potential for public health!

Wherever you are, be sure to support #WorldCancerDay on social media, and find out more here.