Research funding opportunities

The Prevention and Public Health Policy Advisory Group - Call for Applications

The Prevention and Public Health Policy Advisory Group (PAG) is a small committee set up in 2007 to develop Cancer Research UK’s prevention and public health policy research portfolio. The committee funds policy research, campaigning/ advocacy activities and health promotion research and interventions. Funding priorities for the 2008/09 financial year are obesity, alcohol and mapping gaps in current research on behaviour change interventions for the main lifestyle cancer risk factors.

The PAG also has a role to assist development of organisational policy positions on external and internal public health issues and to strengthen the evidence base for Cancer Research UK’s cancer prevention campaigns.

Funding for project grants is available. This is usually in the range of £10,000 - £40,000 p.a. The deadline for receipt of applications for the next funding round is 6th May 2008. Awards will be made following a June Committee meeting.

For further information please contact Sarah Woolnough, Policy Manager, at sarah.woolnough@cancer.org.uk

2008-2009 financial year priorities

Mapping gaps in current research on behaviour change interventions for the main lifestyle cancer risk factors

There is a well-recognised dearth of documented evidence on successful behaviour change interventions. A number of organisations, NICE included, now have a remit to examine the evidence around health interventions. It would be valuable for Cancer Research UK to get an understanding of cancer-specific activities and existing knowledge.

Obesity

There is good and strengthening evidence that obesity is a risk factor for several cancers. Awareness of this link amongst the public is still relatively poor, as is personal awareness/recognition of overweight/obesity.

We have been engaged in considerable policy and health information work in this area. In policy terms, we have most often worked in partnership with other organisations interested in obesity, for example the British Heart Foundation and Diabetes UK. We have also closely monitored government activity in this area.

Cancer Research UK’s Reduce the Risk campaign has also had considerable focus to date on highlighting the risks associated with overweight and obesity. But there is much more to be done to make clear the link between obesity and increased cancer risk and to encourage behaviour change.

Alcohol

There is good and strengthening evidence that alcohol is a risk factor for several cancers. There is also a concerning trend in rising alcohol consumption in the UK.

Our policy work to date is this area has been limited and there is much that we could do quite quickly/easily to build relationships & make a case to Government and other stakeholders that we need to raise awareness of the link between alcohol consumption and an increased cancer risk and promote an alcohol related health message.