Research can lead to new insights and better ways to prevent, detect, or treat cancer, including improving the quality of life for cancer patients. Financial resources are essential to support this research. Researchers involved in cancer research at both locations of Amsterdam UMC can apply for internal grants for innovative and promising research that may be at an early stage or is otherwise not yet ready for submission to established funding agencies. These grants are made possible by the Cancer Center Amsterdam Foundation. An important criterion in evaluating the project proposals is the potential clinical application of the insights gained from the research.

The desire to make a difference for cancer patients does not only motivate medical professionals. Volunteers make a big difference! From patient greeters and donation solicitors to research participants: people are helping from all corners of society. Everyone is dedicated to bring our common goal closer: finding better solutions and improving the opportunities for cancer patients now and in the future.

Research participants drive progress. Whether it is to develop better treatments, find out more about the disease, or to learn how to improve the quality of life with cancer, the participation of patients (and sometimes healthy people) is indispensable for improving cancer care. Today’s patients enable us to make improvements for those of the future. So many patients participated in research and the importance of this is enormous. We cannot thank them enough.

Here are 2 ways others can help to drive progress.

1.      Raise funds for research.. Various professionals, organizations, and people have raised money, for example through the organization of a sports event. If you want to help raise funds to fight cancer, contact Cancer Center Amsterdam Foundation

“It remains very special that we receive financial support from private donors. Because of their involvement in our work, we are able to fund research that is valuable for patients.” – Geert Kazemier, director of the Cancer Center Amsterdam Foundation.

2.      Become a volunteer. Care for cancer patients is impossible without the
support of our volunteers. An extra friendly word, practical help or a listening ear: it is all invaluable. Read the interview with one of our volunteers in our annual review 2019 on page 56 for more information.

Want to know more? Please contact cca@amsterdamumc.nl