Science Talk
With our Science Talk blog, we hope to lift the lid on the black box that is the ICR: to show you inside our labs, to introduce you to a few of the people here who make the discoveries, and to allow them to tell some of the stories behind the science. We try to put our discoveries in a wider scientific context, and give an idea of how our science is actually done. We also give you the view from the ICR of important developments in the wider world of cancer research.
“Going for that test saved my life” – Dave’s prostate cancer story
In April 2019, I went on a journey - not one I expected to go on or even particularly wanted to go on, despite being an enthusiastic traveller. But in life we are often taken down unexpected paths.
“I’m living my life despite my prostate cancer diagnosis” – Chris' prostate cancer story
Chris Talabi, 70, of Bray, Berkshire was diagnosed in 2014 with advanced prostate cancer.
“Abiraterone gave my husband time to live life to the full” - Sue's story
Sue’s husband, Philip, was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2005 and died on Christmas Day 2009, aged 57. 16 years on, she reflects on the legacy he left behind.
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“I shouldn’t be here – but thanks to research, I am” – Richard’s prostate cancer story
Richard Ware, 56, was diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer in 2022. Last December, he was told that it had spread to his brain. Following his diagnosis, Richard found out that he carries the BRCA2 gene mutation and for the past 10 months he has been treated with olaparib, the development of which was underpinned by research at the ICR.
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“I feel lucky to be here. You cannot put a price on your life” - Phil’s prostate cancer story
Phil Kissi, 68, was diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer in 2006. Thanks to early diagnosis and successful surgery, he has no evidence of disease today. He explains why greater awareness around prostate cancer and scientific advances make him feel confident about the future.
“My neurodiversity has been a survival tool” – Martin’s prostate cancer story
Martin Wells, 71, from Burnley was diagnosed with prostate cancer in December 2007. After having surgery and treatment with a hormone suppression drug and radiotherapy, Martin was told the cancer had spread to his bones. He is currently on a clinical trial for a new treatment. He explains his experience of living with cancer as a neurodiverse man.
‘Sibling loss: the brothers and sisters left behind after cancer’
Cancer doesn’t just impact a patient, it has repercussions for everyone around them. Friends and family of those affected by the disease process feelings in many different ways, but some channel their grief into campaigning for a better future for others with cancer. We spoke to two people who are committed to honouring the legacies of their siblings.
“Developments that will enable early diagnosis of prostate cancer are vital” – Gilly’s story
Gilly Morgan, 60, was diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer in 2014 at the age of 49. Fortunately, it was caught early and thanks to successful treatment, he has been living well ever since. Eleven years on, he reveals why he has made it his mission to raise awareness around prostate cancer, particularly among the Black community.
The Charity Research Support Fund: An overlooked, and neglected, lifeline for UK science
Ollie Richards, Advocacy Manager at the ICR, explores how a critical element of the Government's research funding – the Charity Research Support Fund – could be reformed to help support more specialist institutions and universities to do life-saving research.
“Being involved in a clinical trial saved my life” – Tony’s story
Tony McHale, a screenwriter, was invited to take part in the IMPACT study in 2012, an international clinical trial offering regular screening for men at increased risk of prostate cancer. Around 18 months later, he was diagnosed with the disease at the age of 61. After undergoing intense radiotherapy treatment, he has remained cancer-free ever since.
-invading-through-a-layer-of-fibroblasts-(stained-for-actin---red)-nuclei-were-counterstained-with-dapi---blue.jpg?sfvrsn=1a303c1_1 "Breast cancer cells (stained with anti-cytokeratin - green) invading through a layer of fibroblasts (stained for actin - red). Nuclei were counterstained with DAPI - blue")
Celebrating 25 years of pioneering breast cancer research
The ICR’s dedicated breast cancer research centre was launched 25 years ago. Robbie Lockyer explores the history of the centre and how our scientists working in it have made a difference for patients.
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“New research into prostate cancer will take away people’s fear” – Godfrey’s story
DJ and music promoter, Godfrey Fletcher, was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2015 at the age of 47, shortly after his father was also diagnosed with the same disease. Since then, Godfrey has made it his mission to raise awareness and advocate for early testing, particularly among black men.
From molecules to medicines: the role of mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance
In the Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery at The Institute of Cancer Research, London, high-precision technologies are transforming how we uncover the intricate details of molecules and accelerate the development of new cancer treatments. From weighing molecules with extraordinary precision to visualising their atomic structure, Robbie Lockyer visited the lab to understand how these tools are accelerating the journey from lab bench to hospital bedside.
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“I found a way to honour my mum’s memory” – Dan’s One More City story
Dan Dale recently joined a team of 37 riders to take on the One More City annual cycling campaign. The four-day challenge this September saw them ride from Pisa to Nice, covering nearly 600km and reaching climbs of 6,000m along the way, all to raise funds for our groundbreaking research into secondary breast cancer. Here, Dan reflects on his experience and his reason to take part…
Could expanding BRCA gene testing save lives in breast and ovarian cancer?
Although cancer is not usually inherited, certain types, including breast and ovarian, can be triggered by inherited gene faults, meaning they can run in families. Now that we can test for these mutations, could – and should – we be testing as many people as possible to identify those at higher risk? Isy Godfrey spoke with Beth Torr, Scientific Programme Manager in Cancer Genetics, to find out.
.jpg?sfvrsn=92cd40eb_1 "Chris cycling (credit: Vincent Engel)")
“Today I pedal with them, tomorrow they will be pedalling alone” – cycling to support secondary breast cancer
Cyclist Chris Clothier reflects on his recent ride from Pisa to Nice as part of the One More City team, raising vital funds for our groundbreaking research into secondary breast cancer.
From Bench to Bedside: Why Data and Statistics Matter
As we mark World Statistics Day, Carolyn McNamara, the Manager of the Research Data Management Team at The Institute of Cancer Research, London, explains how statistics are at the heart of every clinical trial.
From data to discovery: the impact of statistics in cancer research
Every five years, World Statistics Day is celebrated globally to recognise the vital role statistics plays in shaping societies, our research and supporting evidence-based decision-making. The fourth observance, on 20 October 2025, is held under the theme ‘Quality statistics and data for everyone’.
‘Developing new treatments is the only way to improve and save lives’ – Sam’s story
When he was five years old, Sam Cooper, now 33, lost his mum to sarcoma, a rare type of cancer that starts in soft tissues or bones. On 12 October, he will be running the Royal Parks Half Marathon in her memory, hoping to raise £1,000 to support our groundbreaking research.
.jpg?sfvrsn=dd4e680c_2 "Alex Jemmett (credit: Alex Jemmett)")
‘I’m running for the ICR because I know that funding is vital for cancer research to continue’ – Alex’s story
Alex Jemmett, 31, will be running the Royal Parks Half Marathon on 12 October to raise funds for our vital research in memory of three significant people in her life who she has lost to cancer.