Rochdale v Latics

[inspectormorose]

Given Ernie Cooksey's connection to both clubs, Rochdale are very kindly allowing Factor 50, the local fundraising and patient support group for the malignant melanoma team at The Christie, to take a collection at the game on Saturday. There will be a couple of Latics fans outside the away turnstile shaking Christie buckets and any spare change you can part with would be greatly appreciated and put to good use by the research team.

 

 

 

Friday 29th June sees this years Factor 50 Ernie Cooksey golf day at Manchester golf club, Hopwood cottage, Middleton. Now in it's 3rd year, it's going to be another great day on a great course.

 

Wayne aka Chaddy the Owl is again entering a team this year so if you fancy you can out golf the Owl get a team in and prove it

 

Entry enquiries via myself andyworthington.factor50@googlemail.com

 

Details below

http://www.factor50.org.uk/sponsorship_events?event=86

[Diego_Sideburns]

Malignant Melanoma Facts:

 

:: 11,800 patients diagnosed every year

 

:: 2,100 patients die from the disease

 

:: Annual diagnosis figures to hit 15,500 annually in next 15 years.

 

The first new treatment for malignant melonoma in 30 years is now available.

Christie Hospital success

[inspectormorose]

Malignant Melanoma Facts:

 

:: 11,800 patients diagnosed every year

 

:: 2,100 patients die from the disease

 

:: Annual diagnosis figures to hit 15,500 annually in next 15 years.

 

The first new treatment for malignant melonoma in 30 years is now available.

Christie Hospital success

 

It's one of a pair of new treatments Diego, the other being Ipilimumab. Vemurafenib is suitable for patients with a particular gene mutation called the Braf gene, as the story suggests it has had some very good results compared to previous treatments. The next step is to get NICE to approve its use for all NHS patients and there is a process to go through to achieve this which can take time.

 

Factor 50 are melanoma stakeholders now with NICE meaning we are included as patient representatives in the consultation process.

 

There has been an ongoing consultation since last September regarding Ipilimumab, we attended the hearings at NICE to give representation to the commitee on patients behalf along with oncologists, skin specialists and other healthcare professionals. At that stage the commitee declined to approve it's widespread use on cost grounds. We started an internet campaign to bring it to parliaments attention, asking people to write to their mp's which was ultimately successful. An early day motion was raised specifically mentioning Factor 50 and it was debated in the house.

 

http://www.parliament.uk/edm/2010-12/2362

 

As a direct consequence of this the drugs manufacturers Bristol Myers Squibb, with whom we had been liaising as patient representatives, came back to us and offered to provide the drug via the Patient Access Scheme, this means the drug will be available at a discount to the NHS to any patient who's clinician thinks they would benefit from it. This was taken back to NICE and we again attended meetings last month regarding this. NICE are due to give a final ruling early next week. The next step will be to go through the same process with Vemurafenib.

 

I know I come on here from time to time asking people to support Factor 50 for this that and the other but this is what goes on behind the scenes that you don't see, we really are helping make a difference to melanoma patients. I don't say that in a look at us aren't we great way, it's important to me, my niece suffers from melanoma.

 

Whilst the above 2 drugs are massive leaps forward, they aren't cures. So we carry on with the fundraising to help The Christie research team as well as trying to raise patients concerns with people who matter and can do something about it.

 

That's why your support is important to us, with the golf day and chucking your change in our buckets at the game, it all helps.

 

Sorry if i've been long winded here but it matters. I've attached a link below to a viral video a melanoma group from Canada made called Dear 16 year old me, it was a massive worldwide you tube success, please watch it.