Research: PCRF continues to support "the neuroscience solutions to cancer" concept currently carried out by Prof Mustafa B A Djamgoz and his team at the Imperial College London, one of the pioneering academic institutions of the UK (recently ranked 9th in the world). The research is important in both the early detection in a non-invasive way, treating the cancers and in improving the prognosis of the disease. The group published several reserach papers in international peer-reviewed journals on the progress of their research. In just the previous two years 15 papers have been published, 4 of them are in press and the others are in various stages of preparation. All of our published work are available in PubMed. In particular, our paper validating the novel target that we have identified for treating metastatic breast cancer was accepted by the journal Breast Cancer Research & Treatment on the day of submission, a rare event in scientific publishing. We have many reasons to feel optimistic, therefore, that the research aimed at early diagnosis and non-toxic treatment of breast and prostate cancer is progressing steadily towards clinical application.

Patient Support and Amber Care Centre: The Centre opened its doors in November 2005 to provide support for anyone affected. It started with one full-time employee, with the Support Group members also helping to manage the Centre, when needed. The Centre is a beautiful bright building that went from an empty shell to a fully functional drop-in centre in just 3 weeks.

At present, we have 47 active patients receiving help and support and to date we have had over 80 referrals from all over the UK. The number of patients contacting us is showing a dramatic rise which confirms our original suspicion that the drop in centre was indeed something that the community desperately needed. Their needs seem to be complicated and varied and we are responding by being organic and dynamic in our approach. The Centre continues to be funded by fundraising events and the North Cyprus Orchid Walk and we have been successful in securing additional funding from a number of other agencies. We plan to do more grant applications in the coming year.

Ms. Ayse Ahmet has who was our first employee when we opened our doors has sadly moved on to do other things but remains a committed volunteer. I am delighted to announce that Dr. Umut Fahrioglu has joined the team. Umut comes to us with high distinction - PhD in Molecular Biology from the University of Minnesota and MSc in Genetic Counselling from the University of Manchester.

We have started many projects at the centre including some key projects with large charities such as Breast Cancer Care, Anthony Nolan Trust and Macmillan Cancer Relief. Details of our projects and activities can be found in the patient support section.