Teenage and Young Adult (TYA) Cancer
Thursday 27th October 2015
Do you know the most common tumour types affecting teenagers and young adults? Do you know what treatment options are available for them? Do you know the impact that cancer diagnosis and treatment can have on young people? These are topics which are not commonly taught well in undergraduate medicine. However, the Edinburgh Univeristy Oncology Society and Paediatrics Society teamed up to give a helping hand. We hosted a combined talk entilted "Teenage and Young Adult (TYA) Cancer". We were lucky to have two clinical nurse specialists who are extremely keen about getting involved in some undergraduate medical education regarding TYA cancer. Both are based at the TYA Cancer Unit at the Western General. The unit was opened in April 2013 and brings young people aged between 13 and 24 together to be treated by cancer experts in a place just designed for them. This is one of 28 Teenage Cancer Trust units within NHS hopsitals across the UK.
Developments in Breast Radiotherapy
Monday 19th October 2015
This talk was led by Dr Alison Stillie; a clinical oncologist who works at the Western General Hospital. She is specifically involved in breast cancer but in the past has been involved in urological cancers and andrology. Some may also know her from past SSC1 and SSC4 projects. The use of radiotherapy in the management of cancer is increasing with over 50% cancer patients receiving radiotherapy. Radiotherapy is consistently used post surgery as a means of reducing the risk of possible recurrence in breast cancer patients. However, it can also be used palliatively, before surgery to shrink the tumour and as an alternative to surgery in early stage breast cancer.
Fertility Preservation for Young People with Cancer: State of the Art
Thursday 5th March 2015
The Edinburgh University Oncology Society and the Edinburgh University Paediatrics Society worked together on a talk entitled: "Fertility Preservation for Young People with Cancer: State of the Art". This talk was lead by Professor Hamish Wallace; a paediatric oncologist working at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Edinburgh. He is also a professor at the University and clinical director of the Wallace-Kelsey Research foundation. His main research interests are on the fertility prediction and preservation for cancer patients, the treatment of Hodgkin’s lymphoma and the normal physiology of the human ovary. Professor Wallace is an expert in his field, an author of over 140 peer-reviewed publications and four books.
So You Think You Can Cure Cancer?
Monday 16th February 2015
So You Think You Can Cure Cancer: A Workshop on How to Get Involved in High Calibre Scientific Research at University"
This interactive seminar was for anyone interested not just in cancer research but research in general. It consisted of professionals talking about their clinical research, with Professor Charles Gourley - the head of medical oncology at Edinburgh - giving a presentation about his research and how to get involved in medical research as an undergraduate. Students also took some time to talk about their summer research projects.
Programme for the evening:
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18:00 – 19:00 Professor Charles Gourley, Chair of Medical Oncology and Honorary Consultant in Medical Oncology
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19:00 – 19:20 Edinburgh University Oncology Society committee Chiara Ventre, Nicky Htun, Philippa Boothroyd, Abhinav Mathur, Nandita Kaza
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19:20 to 19:40 Rory Piper, EUNS and ATRIUM President
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19:40 - 20:00 - Refreshments
The event was not just for medical students but anyone interested in research. We also encourage students, who have done previous projects, to contact us if they are interested in speaking at our events.
Movember - Not Just About Moustaches
Wednesday 5th November 2014
This talk was led by Dr A Law - a consultant clinical oncologist in genitourinary cancers - who spoke about testicular and prostate cancer.
The Movember Foundation was founded in 2006 and is the leading organisation committed towards changing the face of men's health. It challenges men to grow moustaches during November to spark conversation and raise vital funds towards conditions such as prostate and testicular cancer. Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the UK, with over 400,000 men being diagnosed with it each year. Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in young men aged 25-49 years.and its incidence has more than doubled since the mid-1970s. Therefore, as future medical professionals, it is important that we know a fair bit about them.
Oncology Careers Talk
Thursday 9th October 2014
This was a great opportunity to find out more about what a career in oncology involves, the differences between medical and clinical oncology; and the range of opportunities that oncology offers ranging from research to clinical medicine and surgery to general practice.
The talk was run by Dr Lesley Dawson - a clinical oncologist from the Edinburgh Cancer Centre - along with another clinical oncologist and a medical oncologist. The speakers shared their own stories and why they have chosen a career in oncology. It was followed by a free wine reception at the end of the event along with a chance to get to talk to the speakers.