Michelin-starred chef Andrew Fairlie has given his backing to Beatson Cancer Charity's new £850,000 radiotherapy project.

The organisation has committed the money to an initial three-year looking at new techniques to allow higher doses of targeted radiotherapy on tumours.

It is hoped the research will have a significant impact on survival rates and quality of life for cancer patients.

The money will go towards creating five new research posts and bringing extra consultants to the Beatson.
The Gleneagles chef, who has been living with a tumour on his brain for ten years, says he supports any work that might provide a cure to the disease.  He received treatment at the Beatson which saved his life after the diagnosis.

Mr Fairlie said: "When I was told I had cancer, fear and uncertainty filled my mind.

"The treatment I received for my brain tumour was outstanding and the services provided by the charity brought enormous comfort to me and my family.

"To have world-leading research right here in Scotland, giving patients the very best chance at beating cancer is an amazing opportunity.

"What we fund now could change the nature of cancer treatment for generations to come."

Despite improvements in survival rates in recent years, cancer remains Scotland's number one killer.

One in three people in Scotland will develop cancer during their lifetime. More than 50% of patients receive radiotherapy and it is the primary form of treatment for 40% of patients whose cancer is cured.

Professor Anthony Chalmers, who is leading the project, said: "Radiotherapy has been one of the most effective forms of cancer treatment for many years.

"Today, we have a wide range of innovative equipment and techniques that deliver radiotherapy much more accurately meaning in some cases we can give a higher dose to a tumour, increasing the possibility of cure.

"These are exciting breakthroughs and at The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre we're continuing to refine them in our radiotherapy department and in our laboratories.

"The Beatson is an international centre of excellence. Some of the new approaches that are revolutionising radiotherapy treatments have been developed in Glasgow and now we need to recruit and support the experts who will turn pioneering research into life-saving treatments."

Health minister Shona Robison said: "I welcome this research project which will have a significant impact on survival rates and quality of life for cancer patients across Scotland. I look forward to seeing the outcome of this research."