The Cancer Council is urging Queenslanders to make a donation to their mid-year appeal to help raise $900,000 for cancer research and support services.

Appeals Manager for Cancer Council Queensland, Anthony Nowak, said current funding includes a cancer research project headed by Professor Peter Parsons.

“Funding for cancer research grants can save lives,” he said.

“By donating to our appeal, Queenslanders can help fund work like Prof Parsons’ research to find a less toxic treatment for melanoma, colon, and breast tumours.”

Prof Parsons will receive more than $160,000 from Cancer Council Queensland to continue his research over the next two years.

Prof Parsons’ team has already found a drug that can force cancer cells to become dormant, but at present there are too many side-effects for this to be used on humans.

“If successful, the outcomes of this research could benefit the 20 per cent of cancer patients whose tumours are receptive to this type of treatment and have progressed too far for other treatments to work,” Mr Nowak said.

So far, the research has found cultured colon cancer, breast cancer and melanoma cells are receptive to this type of treatment.

Mr Nowak said if successful, the project would lead to effective and less toxic treatments of serious cancers.

“Donating to our appeal really does make a difference.

“Funding cancer research gives us the opportunity to make a difference to the lives of the 20,000 Queenslanders diagnosed with cancer each year.”

To donate to the mid-year appeal and help fund vital cancer research grants, call Cancer Council Queensland on 1300 663 936.

Cancer Council Queensland is an independent, community-based charity. The achievements of Cancer Council Queensland are made possible by the generosity of Queenslanders.