University of Liverpool Appoints New Chair of Oncology to Tackle Rising Cancer Incidence in Liverpool City Region

University of Liverpool Appoints New Chair of Oncology to Tackle Rising Cancer Incidence in Liverpool City Region

(IN BRIEF) As World Cancer Day approaches, the University of Liverpool has appointed Professor Tim Maughan as the Chair of Oncology to address the growing cancer incidence in the Liverpool City Region. With a focus on improving outcomes through immunotherapy and addressing health inequalities, the 10-year strategy aims to collaborate with researchers, the NHS, and local communities to combat the rising cancer burden, particularly in deprived areas. With Liverpool’s expertise in cancer research and treatment, partnerships will play a crucial role in achieving better health outcomes for residents in the region.

(PRESS RELEASE) LIVERPOOL, 3-Feb-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — As we approach World Cancer Day (Sunday 4 February 2024), the University of Liverpool announces its appointment of a new Chair of Oncology to tackle cancer in the Liverpool City Region.

Professor Tim Maughan – whose appointment includes an honorary contract with The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre NHS Foundation Trust – takes on this newly created role to work with researchers, the NHS and communities to deliver a 10-year strategy.

Merseyside is a region with areas of significant low income and associated health related inequalities. For example, Liverpool’s Director of Public Health, Professor Matt Ashton painted a picture of the city’s health in his recent report State of Health in the City: Liverpool 2040. The report shows 63% of the population of Liverpool are from the lowest quintile of deprivation. By 2040 cancer incidence will have increased by 16,100 people to 34,100 new diagnoses per annum. The strategy will put discovery and translation at its heart to address these issues that occur across the region.

The University boasts a range of world-leading cancer experts, with particular strength in head and neck, lung, pancreatic, colorectal, and liver cancers. The strategy maximises this existing area of expertise and through greater understanding of the disease the plan will see improved treatments. Partnerships will also be key to the successful delivery of the plan. Liverpool has world-leading centres for research and treatment and Professor Maughan’s plan uses these existing strengths to ensure better health outcomes for local residents.

Professor Tim Maughan said: “I’m incredibly proud to join the team at the University of Liverpool. I have dedicated my life and career to better understanding this disease that affectscancer so many people. I’m delighted to bring my expertise to an area of the UK that is disproportionately affected. Key to taking on this challenge will be working with NHS colleagues and public health teams across the region and I look forward to collaborating with them. Our focus will be two-fold. Firstly, we aim to improve outcomes from immunotherapy through an in depth understanding of factors limiting the immune response to cancer. Secondly, we aim to bring together partners across the city with our scientific researchers to address the excess and rising cancer burden especially in deprived areas through a focus on prevention and early detection of cancer.”

Professor Louise Kenny, Executive Pro-Vice-Chancellor, University of Liverpool Faculty of Health and Life Sciences said: “We are delighted to welcome Professor Maughan to our city and to our faculty. He has an outstanding track record as a clinical researcher in cancer, particularly in the conduct of clinical trials. As a civic university, we owe it to our local community to address unmet health needs and sadly, there is a high incidence of cancer in Merseyside. Professor Maughan will develop a strategy that will maximise our innovative, world-leading research in order to deliver meaningful impact on health outcomes locally.”

More about Professor Tim Maughan

Prof Tim Maughan is Professor of Oncology at the University of Liverpool, Honorary Consultant at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre NHS Foundation Trust and Professor Emeritus at the University of Oxford.

Tim is known for his research in colorectal cancer, mainly as a clinical trial leader. He led four UK national Medical Research Council (MRC) studies and has published extensive papers both reporting the clinical findings and translational research studies from these trials.

Previously Tim worked in Cardiff as an NHS oncologist where he set up the Wales Cancer Trials Network and subsequently led the development of the clinical research infrastructure across the NHS in Wales. From 2011-2021, Tim was Clinical Director of the MRC/CRUK Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology and Professor of Clinical Oncology at Oxford. Tim has previously chaired the Clinical Research Committee for Cancer Research UK and the Strategy Advisory Group for NCRI.

Media Contacts:

Joanne Carr
Deputy Director of Communications and Public Affairs
T: +44 (0)7825 434900
E: jocarr@liverpool.ac.uk

Catrin Owen
Media Relations Manager – Humanities and Social Sciences
T: +44 (0)7721 834238
E: catrin.owen@liverpool.ac.uk

Sarah Stamper
Media Relations Manager – Science and Engineering
T: +44 (0)7970 247396
E: sarah.stamper@liverpool.ac.uk

Jennifer Morgan
Media Relations Manager – Health and Life Sciences
T: +44 (0)7775 547589
E: J.L.Morgan@liverpool.ac.uk

Alison Cornmell
Media Relations Manager – Health and Life Sciences
T: +44 (0) 7771 700680
E: Alison.Cornmell@liverpool.ac.uk

SOURCE: University of Liverpool