Local cancer researcher awarded PhD

A NORTHSIDE researcher, one of the first Irish Cancer Society Research Scholars to be funded by the Irish Cancer Society in 2009, was awarded her PhD recently at a conferring ceremony in Trinity College.

Dr Christine White, from Artane, was awarded her PhD alongside Dr Maria Pertl and Dr Claire Donohoe. They have all published important findings in their cancer area, including cervical and oesophageal cancer, and self-help interventions for patients who live with persistent cancer-related fatigue (CRF) that continues after treatment.

Dr White’s research has shown that women who smoke are at greater risk of picking up a Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection, the main cause of cervical cancer. Her study, funded by the Irish Cancer Society, forms part of a larger study underway within CERVIVA research consortium, which is evaluating different ways to improve the management of women with persistent low grade cervical smears.

Dr White said:

“Our study highlights the harmful effects of tobacco smoke on women’s health.

“We know that women who smoke have less immune cells in the cervix and our results have shown that these women are at greater risk of the HPV infection, and find it harder to fight off, putting them at a higher risk of getting cervical cancer.

“The funding from the Irish Cancer Society has been central to our work, and we are very thankful for their support and for the opportunity to bring these important findings to light.

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For further information on the Irish Cancer Society’s programme or to make a donation, visit www.cancer.ie or contact the Irish Cancer Society on Call Save 1850 60 60 60.